Recent data released by German health insurer Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) reveal a slight decrease in sick leave days among employed individuals, yet the overall absenteeism rate remains stubbornly high, sparking renewed debate over the nation’s workforce health and potential systemic issues. According to the TK’s analysis of its insured members, the average number of sick days taken per employed person through October this year stood at 15.36 days, a marginal improvement from the 15.86 days recorded in 2024.
While the reduction might appear insignificant, the persistent high level of absenteeism is raising concerns amongst policymakers and business leaders. Traditional contributors to sick leave – upper respiratory infections, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health diagnoses – continue to dominate the reasons for time off, mirroring trends observed in previous years.
A minor decline is noted in sick days attributed to musculoskeletal conditions: 2.17 days in the January to October period this year, compared to 2.26 days during the same timeframe in 2024. Similarly, absences due to common colds have slightly decreased. Yet, the most troubling trend points towards a resurgence in mental health-related absences.
The TK data highlight a “renewed slight” increase in psychological diagnoses, encompassing conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. Sick leave associated with these diagnoses rose from 3.11 days in the first ten months of 2024 to 3.14 days this year. This emerging pattern is fueling ongoing discussions surrounding the pressures faced by the German workforce.
Critics argue that the sustained high number of sick days, particularly the rising prevalence of mental health-related absences, isn’t solely attributable to organic illness. Speculation concerning the potential influence of factors like workplace stress, economic insecurity and broader societal anxieties are gaining traction. Furthermore, some experts question whether current sick leave reporting practices adequately distinguish between genuine illness and individuals strategically taking time off, potentially contributing to the inflated statistics. The TK’s report has amplified the urgency for a more nuanced and proactive approach to addressing workforce health in Germany, moving beyond simply treating symptoms toward identifying and mitigating the root causes of persistent absenteeism.
