Germany is experiencing high rates of employee absenteeism, with workers averaging 22 sick days annually. The government is considering stricter rules regarding sick pay ("doznake") in an attempt to address the issue. However, researchers suggest these measures may be misguided, focusing on the symptom rather than the underlying causes. Experts point to increasing workplace pressures and stress as primary factors contributing to employee illness. Simply tightening regulations on sick leave won’t resolve the fundamental problems driving workers to take time off. A more comprehensive approach addressing work-life balance and mental well-being is needed to effectively reduce absenteeism. The proposed changes could potentially penalize legitimately ill employees without tackling the systemic factors at play.