Economist Advocates for Part-Time Sick Leave in Certain Cases
Monika Schnitzer, chair of Germany's Council of Economic Experts, suggests part-time sick leave could aid reintegration and flexibility for specific jobs.
- Monika Schnitzer, chair of the German Council of Economic Experts, argues that part-time sick leave could be beneficial under certain conditions.
- She highlights that roles like office jobs may allow limited work hours even during recovery, unlike physically demanding jobs such as retail or food service.
- The concept of part-time sick leave has been previously proposed by Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association, citing changing work environments and home office setups.
- While some industry leaders support the idea for its potential to reduce high sick leave rates, unions like the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) have criticized it over concerns for workers' rights.
- Germany's Federal Health Ministry has rejected the proposal, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries in sick leave policies.
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