Tesla bosses had shown up unexpectedly at the homes of a number of employees who worked at the GrĂĽnheide plant in Brandenburg but were off sick, according to media reports at the time.
They were met with suspicion, annoyance and threats that workers would call the police.
Tesla argued the checks were carried out only after workers had been warned and because an above-average number of sick days were being taken by employees. Defending the move, Tesla managers said many companies in Germany do the same. Unions hit back calling the visits "absurd".
In Germany, workers are generally accustomed to protective sick leave policies and a culture that encourages you to rest when you need to.
So, can an employer check on you at home in Germany when you call out sick? The Local explains.
What is the general practice around sick leave in Germany?
As an employee you are obligated to immediately inform your employer if you fall ill and will therefore be unable to work.
Employment law requires you to get a doctor’s note if your illness prevents you from working for more than three days.
READ ALSO: Flu cases on the rise in Germany: When (and how) should you take sick leave?
There is not a direct requirement to stay at home while on sick leave, but you are expected to refrain from activities that would interfere with your recovery.
So a trip to the market or even walking to a nearby park to take in some sun, would likely be justifiable in most cases, whereas getting caught sitting in the pub would not.
If your boss finds that you faked an illness to take sick leave in Germany they have the right to take steps to terminate your employment.
Also note that in most cases you are not obligated to tell your employer which disease you are suffering from. Only in the case of serious infectious diseases, or for employees in certain sectors such as catering, is this required.
Is it legal for your employer to check on you?
While uncommon, unannounced home visits by an employer are not prohibited by German law.
These are typically only carried out when an employer has reason to believe that an employee may be faking an illness – for example, if an employee has been on leave for an extended period of time and something about their doctor’s note or communication doesn’t add up.
Such visits might be conducted by an HR employee or medical staff.
READ ALSO: Working in Germany - The 10 rules you need to know if you fall ill
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