Companies Hiring Detectives to Investigate Employees on Long-Term Sick Leave in Germany
German companies are facing a new dilemma: a sharp rise in sick leave among workers. As economic pressures mount, some businesses are turning to private detectives to scrutinize employees on long-term sick leave. The controversial practice has sparked global debates, with Chinese social media, in particular, ablaze over the stark differences between German and Chinese workplace policies.
The growing demand for investigative services reveals how employers are grappling with the fallout from a surge in absenteeism. One detective agency at the heart of this trend is the Lentz Group, headquartered near Frankfurt. Marcus Lentz, the agency’s founder, recently disclosed to AFP that his firm handles nearly 1,200 cases annually—twice as many as just a few years ago. These cases often expose surprising scenarios, such as employees engaging in unauthorized work, pursuing hobbies, or renovating homes while claiming to be unfit for their regular jobs.
On Sick Leave? Wait! A Detective Might Be Watching You
This increased vigilance stems from a troubling rise in sick leave statistics. Data from Destatis, Germany’s federal statistics agency, shows that the average worker took 15.1 sick days in 2023, up from 11.1 days in 2021. Health insurer TK also recorded an unprecedented 14.13 sick days per worker in the first nine months of 2024. The impact on the economy has been significant, with absenteeism reducing Germany’s GDP by 0.8% last year and contributing to a 0.3% contraction, according to the South China Morning Post.
The causes behind this trend are multifaceted. During the pandemic, Germany introduced relaxed medical certification rules to ease the burden on healthcare systems. Workers were allowed to obtain sick leave certificates over the phone for minor ailments. While this system was well-intentioned, critics argue that it has inadvertently enabled abuse, with some employees allegedly exaggerating symptoms to secure time off.
Why Germany?
For German employers, the stakes are high. Labor laws require companies to pay full salaries for employees on sick leave for up to six weeks, after which health insurance takes over. This financial burden has driven many businesses to invest in private investigations, viewing it as a necessary expense to curtail potential fraud. However, the results of these investigations are not always straightforward. For instance, an Italian bus driver dismissed for performing at a bar while on sick leave for anxiety successfully appealed his case. Italy’s Supreme Court ruled that his activity supported his mental recovery, ordering his reinstatement. Such cases highlight the complex legal and ethical landscape surrounding workplace surveillance.
Meanwhile, health experts warn that addressing the root causes of absenteeism is more critical than punitive measures. The rise in respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and workplace stress has created a perfect storm of health challenges for the German workforce. Unless these underlying issues are tackled, the reliance on detectives may do little more than foster distrust between employers and employees.
Surveillance or Systemic Change?
The situation has drawn comparisons to other countries, particularly China, where workplace policies are stricter. In China, employees must provide medical certificates for any sick leave, and their salaries are partially reduced during their time off. The contrast with Germany, where sick leave policies are more generous, has sparked lively discussions about the balance between accountability and worker welfare.
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As Germany navigates this complex issue, it must decide whether doubling down on surveillance is the answer or if the focus should shift toward addressing systemic problems like workplace stress and health care policies. While hiring private detectives may offer short-term solutions, the long-term health of the workforce—and the economy—requires a more holistic approach. For now, the debate remains a heated topic both within Germany and across the globe.
