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While the German system is exploitable (there undoubtedly are some lazy people who are on good terms with their doctors...), a good share of holidays and especially sick lead to a much higher productivity. And I think for the society it is much better if people work very hard 40 hours a week and have time off after that than if they work 60 hours are week, mostly being bored during that time.

Two weeks paid holidays is not enough in this modern age to regenerate yourself. In New Zealand we get 4 weeks off (if you are not self employed), and I think that is enough, along with sick leave, bereavement leave.

Yeah, well America is a pretty f****d up place in most respects with regard to the rest of the modern world. If you were to rank the countries in the G8 by how much their government actually cares about them the US would probably come in, like, 11th or 12th. Yes, out of 8. That's how much America sucks.

I used to work for a company that gave you one paid day off per year you worked there, and it was a hard job too, 6 to 7 days a week about 12 hours a day and ten on Sunday, Construction. Of course they tried to renege on even that agreement.

That is the norm for a lot of American workers. I've had jobs that didn't offer any paid sick or vacation leave. If I was sick I could call in but I certainly wasn't going to be paid. I'd go to work sick to avoid losing pay.

Olivia Wohl, your previous workplace sounds horrible.

Dear Giovanna, how I miss Italy. Having experienced both (US and Italy) systems I definitely think that Europe treats the workforce better, in terms of helping create a healthy balance between personal and work life. The criticism towards people who take time off to tend to their family needs is unbelievable out here. In my very first years I remember saying to my coworkers "I have a life outside of here to which I give absolute priority" resulting in immediate dislike from their part. I could not comprehend how people would bend to such a rigid, unforgiving mentality of labeling as "lazy" anyone who would not be bothered by taking an unpaid (mind you) day off to take care of a sick family member. And guess what? 14 years later, I find myself fitting this system and playing along with it, because by fighting it I have missed many opportunities to advance in jobs I loved.

This is general in all of Europe, yet the USA is Great and rules the world while the population in the States suffer. How many homeless people, people with no coverage of medical aid, how many people don't have access to one meal a day, how veterans have no help or little after serving in all the wars the US goverment has made through out this world, no America has never been great for the workers only for the very greed and ruthless rich. Ahmen!

I can speak for Canadians... that is against labour laws, which Canada does take very seriously. Contact the CRA if you have issues.