AOK Report: Record High Sick Leave Among German Workers
The surge in sick leave is driven by respiratory and psychological ailments, with new electronic tracking revealing more cases.
- Between January and August 2024, sick leave cases among AOK-insured workers matched the total for all of 2023, reaching 225 per 100 members.
- Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, are the primary cause of increased sick leave, with 75 cases per 100 members this year.
- Psychological disorders contribute significantly to prolonged sick leave, with cases rising nearly 47% since 2014.
- Electronic sick leave documentation may have improved case tracking, but there's no evidence of misuse in telephone sick leave.
- Workplace stress and global crises exacerbate mental health issues, particularly affecting health, social, and educational sectors.
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