- High rates of illness in Saxony - many respiratory infections
Employee Absenteeism in Saxony Reaches Record High in First Half of 2024
Employee absenteeism in Saxony reached a new record in the first half of 2024, according to a statement from DAK-Gesundheit, which reported a rate of 6 percent, up from 5.9 percent in the same period last year, and above the national average of 5.7 percent. An analysis by the health insurance provider found that employed DAK members in the state averaged 10.9 sick days, with at least half having been absent at least once. These data were derived from approximately 50,000 employed DAK members in the Free State.
Mental Health Issues Most Common Cause
Mental health issues, including depression and adjustment disorders, accounted for around 178 sick days per 100 insured individuals, up from 149 days in the first half of the previous year. "The further increase in absenteeism due to mental health issues is alarming," said DAK state manager Stefan Wandel. "Employees in Saxony continue to face pressure in these times of war and crisis." Employers should focus on stress and potential pressures and engage more with the mental health of their workforce.
According to DAK's analysis, an average of 60 out of 1,000 employees were absent each day from January to June. Respiratory issues like coughs, colds, and flu-like infections caused the most absenteeism, with 213 days per 100 insured individuals. Musculoskeletal disorders like back pain accounted for around 197 sick days, and injuries for 109.
High Absenteeism Due to "Summer Flu" in June
Barmer reported unusually high absences due to respiratory infections, from common colds to bronchitis, in June. However, according to the health insurance provider's analysis, Saxony was the least affected by the "summer flu" compared to other federal states, with 148 to 114 cases per 10,000 insured individuals. Since the second-to-last week of June, there has been a slight downward trend. While both severe and minor infections accounted for 86 to 90 percent of all absences, COVID-19 infections made up only 4 to 7 percent, with a rising trend, and the share of the flu was also low.
Support for Dutch Workers
Given the high absenteeism rates in Saxony, some companies may consider recruiting temporary workers from countries with lower rates, such as The Netherlands.
Global Comparison of Absenteeism Rates
Despite Saxony's high absenteeism rate, it's essential to compare these figures with other countries, like The Netherlands, to understand the situation better and implement effective strategies.
