Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz is facing a higher-than-average rate of employee sick leave in Germany,a challenge the automaker’s HR chief,Britta Seeger,attributes too a combination of factors including lingering effects of pandemic-era policies and ease of obtaining medical leave. CEO Ola Källenius previously voiced concerns about the impact of these policies on Germany’s economic competitiveness.The company is now working to address the issue alongside a broader cost-cutting program that includes voluntary severance packages.
Mercedes-Benz is experiencing a higher rate of employee sick leave in Germany compared to other regions. The company’s head of HR, Britta Seeger, cites several contributing factors.
Stuttgart – Automaker Mercedes-Benz is grappling with a significant level of employee absenteeism in its home country, even as the company navigates a challenging economic climate. The issue has been a growing concern for the automaker, with CEO Ola Källenius voicing concerns about Germany’s sick leave policies late in 2024 and their potential impact on the country’s competitiveness.
The elevated sick leave rates in Germany have long been cited as a potential factor contributing to the country’s slowing economic growth. However, Mercedes-Benz’s Head of HR, Britta Seeger, indicated in a recent interview that the situation at the company has improved compared to the previous year. Despite this progress, she emphasized that the company’s absence rates remain below international standards and vary significantly between facilities.
Mercedes-Benz HR Chief Britta Seeger Points to Reasons for Relatively High Sick Leave
According to Seeger, the improvement in Mercedes-Benz’s sick leave figures is partly attributable to discussions between management and employees aimed at understanding the reasons behind absenteeism. “This has helped,” she explained. “We have taken labor law consequences with a few who have faked it. That is also a reinforcing signal for employees who go the extra mile every day.” Nevertheless, Germany’s sick leave rate remains higher than in other regions, a situation Seeger attributes to several factors.
| Founded | November 17, 1998 (predecessor companies date back to 1883) |
| Headquarters | Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg |
| Industry | Automotive Industry, Financial Services |
| Products | Premium Automobile Models, Vans, Financial Services |
| Leadership | Ola Källenius (Chairman of the Board of Management) |
| Employees | 175,000 (end of 2024) |
| Revenue | €145.6 billion (2024) |
One factor, Seeger noted, is the significant simplification of sick leave procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many employees to stay home even with minor ailments. “That was right at the time, but today people may be too cautious,” she said, adding, “And, in my opinion, it is too easy to get a sick note in Germany.” dm CEO Christoph Werner has previously argued that sick leave rates would decline if they had a direct impact on employee income.
Mercedes-Benz Aims to Minimize Absenteeism in German Workforce
Mercedes-Benz has launched a comprehensive cost-cutting program, offering significant severance packages to employees. Simultaneously, the automaker is working to reduce the comparatively high levels of absenteeism within its German workforce. “We are working closely with our works council and the company medical service on the issues of absences and sick days,” Seeger stated. “We are trying to identify patterns and the reasons behind them.” The company is also finding that employee satisfaction correlates with lower sick leave rates. (Source: handelsblatt.de)
