New Delhi, April 16 -- Germany is weighing sweeping changes to its sick leave policy, including docking workers' wages from the first day they call in sick, as the government looks to tackle one of the highest absenteeism rates in Europe.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering proposals that would allow employers to cut pay for employees who take sick leave, while rewarding those who take fewer days off. The plan, first reported by Bild, is part of a broader effort to boost productivity in Europe's largest economy.

German workers take an average of 14.8 sick days per year-significantly higher than many European counterparts and more than three times the UK average of 4.4 days. The trend has raised concerns among policymakers and busin...