DAK: More days of absence in the north in the third quarter
According to figures from DAK-Gesundheit, the sickness rate in Schleswig-Holstein rose significantly in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. Although there was no summer flu epidemic, the sickness rate rose to 5.3 percent, compared to 4.5 percent in the previous year, according to the DAK. On average, every employee was absent from work for almost five days between July and September due to illness.
One explanation, according to DAK, is a drastic increase in sick leave due to psychological problems. There was an increase of almost 59% compared to the third quarter of 2022. There was also a sharp rise of 22% in musculoskeletal disorders.
"The after-effects of the pandemic, the uncertainty in Germany due to the many crises in the world: all of this is putting an increasing strain on people's psyches," said Cord-Erik Lubinski, regional head of DAK-Gesundheit in Schleswig-Holstein. In addition, many industries are under particular pressure due to staff shortages. "The issues of employee health and mental well-being must be at the top of companies' agendas." The DAK warned of a vicious circle of increased sickness rates and growing staff shortages.
Despite the rise in sickness rates, many employees still have to manage their workloads effectively to minimize disruptions. Addressing mental health issues and promoting a healthy work-life balance could potentially reduce the number of health-related absences at work.
Source: www.dpa.com
