Depression-Related Work Absences in Germany Surge by 50% in 2024
The DAK-Gesundheit Psychreport 2025 highlights a significant rise in mental health-related absences, especially in high-stress sectors and among older workers, prompting calls for systemic action.
- Mental health-related absences in Germany rose to 342 days per 100 employees in 2024, up from 323 days in 2023, with depression alone accounting for a 50% increase in work absences.
- Workers in childcare and eldercare sectors were disproportionately affected, reflecting sector-specific vulnerabilities to mental health challenges.
- Older employees, particularly those over 60, experienced a sharp rise in depression-related absences, increasing from 169 to 249 days per 100 workers in 2024.
- The average duration of a mental health-related sick leave rose slightly to 33 days in 2024, with long-term absences of 29 to 42 days increasing by 14%.
- DAK-Gesundheit has called for greater mental health awareness, destigmatization, and expanded support services to address the growing crisis in Germany's workforce.
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