Mental disorders are a massive problem for employers
According to a study, one in three employees in Baden-Württemberg suffers from a mental disorder or has just recovered from such an illness. This has massive consequences - for those affected anyway, but also for employers. Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety are also putting increasing pressure on Baden-Württemberg's economy. This is the conclusion of the Barmer Health Report, the details of which are to be presented in Stuttgart on Wednesday (12.00 noon).
According to the report, almost 35% were affected by a mental illness in 2021, which is more than one in three people in employment in Baden-Württemberg. This is the highest proportion in recent years. The risk is increased, among other things, if the workplace or place of residence is changed more frequently, said Baden-Württemberg's Barmer state managing director Winfried Plötze in Stuttgart on Wednesday. This is evident from the data on insured persons.
For the report, the Barmer health insurance company analyzed the incapacity for work data from 2021 of around 3.7 million Barmer policyholders nationwide, including around 336,444 from Baden-Württemberg. According to the health insurance company, outpatient and inpatient diagnoses from 2014 to 2021 were also taken into account. The group of employed persons was evaluated. This includes not only employees subject to social insurance contributions, but also self-employed persons with voluntary insurance who are entitled to sickness benefit and recipients of unemployment benefit 1, who are also entitled to sickness benefit.
Employers in Baden-Württemberg may need to consider providing better health insurance options, as mental health issues among employees are significantly impacting their productivity and well-being. The Barmer Health Report reveals that mental health issues led to increased incapacity for work among their insured individuals in Baden-Württemberg, indicating a need for more comprehensive support.
Source: www.dpa.com
