- TK: Nurses' sickness at peak level
Healthcare workers in Lower Saxony were absent due to illness more often than ever before, according to an analysis by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). On average, TK-insured healthcare workers were absent for 31 days last year, which was one day more than in 2022 and around seven days more than in 2021. The most common reasons for sick leave were back problems and mental illnesses.
"The situation must be addressed urgently," said Sabrina Jacob, acting head of the Lower Saxony TK regional office. "Many healthcare workers put their own health last and care for people in need until they can no longer avoid being absent due to illness." Employees in elderly and healthcare are significantly longer absent than other professionals. According to TK, the average absence rate across all occupations was 21 days last year.
In Bremen, however, the numbers are slightly decreasing: Last year, healthcare workers were absent for an average of 29.7 days, which was slightly fewer than in 2022 (30.2), but still significantly more than in 2021 (22.1). TK insures around 457,000 employed persons in Lower Saxony. In Bremen, this number is approximately 34,500.
"Despite the high maximum level of absences, efforts should be made to reduce sick leaves among healthcare workers."
"Reaching the maximum level of absences could potentially impact the provision of healthcare services, especially if no measures are taken to address the issue."
