Overview
- A Health Ministry commission recommended letting doctors certify work incapacity in set steps of 100, 75, 50 or 25 percent in consultation with the patient.
- The plan would allow partial work or a stepwise return when a role can be adjusted and would require doctors to update the grade as health changes to keep care aligned.
- The commission says earlier, more stable returns could help people keep a daily routine, which can be especially helpful with mental illness.
- The panel argues decisions must rest on medical judgment with the person’s consent because employer pressure could push people back too soon and prolong illness.
- Germany’s system now recognizes only full fitness or full sick leave, while countries such as those in Scandinavia use partial leave with reported benefits for workers and the wider economy.