German companies have started hiring private detectives to investigate employees who take sick leave for extended periods. According to foreign media, the purpose of hiring private detectives is to identify employees who use illness as an excuse to take frequent time off, amidst growing economic challenges. The detectives’ job is to investigate whether these employees are genuinely sick or just pretending to be unwell to take leave.
A private detective agency based in Frankfurt reported handling around 1,200 cases annually, which is double the number compared to previous years. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, there has been a noticeable increase in employees taking sick leave between 2021 and 2023.
Under German law, employees are entitled to six weeks of sick leave per year, during which they continue to receive their salary along with health insurance benefits. This legal provision has led to a growing trend of companies hiring investigative firms, despite the high fees charged by these agencies.
