Tesla Boss in Germany doing home visits to “sick” employees

Knock-on Visits Defended by Tesla Factory Boss

Tesla Gigafactory senior director, André Thierig, has defended the practice of managers visiting employees’ homes while they are off sick, stating that it is not unusual and aims to promote a strong work ethic. This decision comes amid reports of high sick leave rates at the plant.

Reported Exploitation of German Sick Leave

Thierig has suggested that workers at the Giga Berlin factory have been exploiting Germany’s sick leave laws, leading to a spike in absenteeism. Citing data that shows an increased rate of sick leave on Fridays, he notes that this pattern is not indicative of poor working conditions but rather suggests possible exploitation of the social system.

Absence Rates Draw Elon Musk’s Attention

The high sick leave rates have drawn the attention of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has indicated that he will investigate the matter further. Musk has previously advocated for a “hardcore” work ethic, with employees reportedly sleeping on the production line and in their cars to meet strict deadlines.

Mixed Reactions to Home Visits

While Thierig maintains that home visits are not unusual, media reports indicate that some employees have reacted negatively, slamming doors in managers’ faces and threatening to call the police. The Telegraph reported that these events were captured in a recording of an internal meeting.

Tesla’s Response

Tesla has not yet provided an official comment on the matter, as the request for comment was sent outside of normal working hours. However, the company has previously stated that the rate of sick leave is higher on Fridays.

Employee Absence and Workplace Culture

Experts have noted that high absenteeism can often indicate issues with workplace culture or employee satisfaction. It is unclear at this time whether the high rates of sick leave at Tesla’s German factory are indicative of deeper underlying issues within the work environment.

Comparison to Average Absence Rates

The reported 17% sick leave rate at Tesla’s German factory is significantly higher than the average for the German auto industry in 2023, which stands at 6%. This disparity suggests that the high rates of absenteeism at the Giga Berlin plant may indeed be an anomaly worth investigating.

Implications for Employment Practices

The Tesla factory’s home visits have sparked discussions about appropriate employer conduct during employee absences. While some may argue that such visits are justified to address potential abuse of sick leave, others contend that they constitute an invasion of privacy and an overreach of employer authority.

Conclusion

Tesla factory manager André Thierig’s defense of home visits has highlighted the complex issue of absenteeism in the workplace. The factory’s high sick leave rates, the varied employee reactions to home visits, and the implications for employer practices raise important questions about balancing employee rights with management’s desire to ensure productivity. As Tesla investigates the matter further, the outcome will provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of employer-employee relationships in a rapidly changing workplace environment.