### Allegations of a “Fear-Based Culture” Challenge Tesla’s German Gigafactory Amid Elevated Sick Leave Rates
Tesla’s Gigafactory in Gruenheide, Germany, situated near Berlin, has made headlines lately, though not for its production of electric vehicles. Instead, it is facing scrutiny for allegedly nurturing a “fear-based culture” among its employees, with reports indicating that sick leave is being taken at rates considerably above the industry norm. The scenario has intensified to the extent that management has begun conducting home visits to verify the status of workers on sick leave, a decision that has ignited controversy and sparked inquiries regarding labor practices at the facility.
#### Elevated Sick Leave Rates: A Worrying Trend
The Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory, which fell victim to arson earlier this year, is dealing with a troubling absenteeism rate. According to reports from *Handelsblatt* and *The Guardian*, sick leave rates at the factory peaked at an alarming 17 percent during the summer of 2024. This number is over three times the average sick leave rate for the German automotive sector, which typically hovers around 5.2 percent.
In light of these troubling figures, Tesla’s management has adopted a stringent stance. André Thierig, the manufacturing director at the plant, voiced his annoyance with the situation, remarking, “We will not accept a situation where some employees work hard while others decline to come in. Our factory has no place for individuals who can’t be motivated to rise from bed.”
#### Home Visits: A Disputed Strategy
To address the issue of absenteeism, Tesla has started to dispatch managers to the homes of certain employees who are on sick leave. Reports indicate that 30 employees were visited by supervisors while they were away from work. However, these home checks were met with hostility from employees, many of whom reacted by shutting doors on their managers or threatening to contact law enforcement.
Despite the criticism, Thierig stood by the practice, asserting that it is a common practice in Germany and that the company was merely appealing to the “work ethic of employees.” He also noted that sick leave spikes were often observed on Fridays and during late shifts, implying that some employees may be misusing the German social system rather than genuinely coping with unfavorable working conditions.
#### Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legality surrounding home visits to monitor sick employees in Germany exists in a gray area. While such practices are not outright prohibited by German labor laws, they are generally regarded unfavorably and can be perceived as a breach of privacy. As noted by *The Local*, a German news source, companies are permitted to check on employees during sick leave, although the methods employed can raise ethical questions, especially if viewed as coercive or threatening.
The circumstances at Tesla’s Berlin factory have been met with disapproval from labor unions, particularly IG Metall, which represents some of the workers. The union has conveyed its disappointment with the management’s tactics, contending that the rampant absenteeism reflects deeper systemic problems at the factory, such as excessive workloads and stressful working environments.
Dirk Schulze, a regional director at IG Metall, commented, “If management genuinely wants to lower sickness rates, they need to disrupt this harmful cycle.” Schulze recommended that rather than concentrating on punitive measures such as home visits, Tesla should focus on tackling the fundamental causes of employee dissatisfaction and burnout.
#### Tesla’s Record of Labor Conflicts
This is not the first instance that Tesla has faced criticism regarding its treatment of its workforce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company encountered significant backlash for its reluctance to shutter its Fremont, California facility, even after local authorities mandated closures to mitigate the virus’s spread. Tesla CEO Elon Musk engaged in public disputes with California officials over this matter, ultimately leading to the relocation of the company’s corporate headquarters to Texas.
The developments in Germany seem to echo this pattern, with Tesla management imposing strict measures on employee absenteeism as labor unions and workers resist what they see as unjust treatment.
#### Wider Implications for Tesla and the Automotive Sector
The unrest at Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory underscores the hurdles the company faces in its efforts to expand its global reach. Though Tesla has been a leader in the electric vehicle arena, its rapid expansion has come with challenges, particularly concerning labor relations.
The elevated sick leave rates at the Berlin facility may signify broader issues within Tesla’s corporate culture. Reports of a “culture of fear” imply that some employees may feel compelled to work under challenging circumstances, which could lead to burnout and increased absenteeism. If these challenges are not effectively addressed, they could have lasting repercussions for Tesla’s capability to sustain a stable and efficient workforce, especially in highly regulated markets like Germany, where labor laws and worker protections are stringent.
