German Sick Leave Hits Record Levels Amid Economic Strain

The rising number of sick days, particularly due to mental health issues, poses challenges for businesses already facing economic difficulties.

The DAK-Gesundheit reports a significant increase in sick leaves, with a 9% rise in the third quarter compared to the previous year.
Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, are among the leading causes of sick days, surpassing even musculoskeletal disorders.
The overall national sick leave rate reached 5%, with an average of 50 out of 1,000 employees on sick leave each day over the summer months.
Regional variations show that states like Schleswig-Holstein and Saxony are experiencing particularly high sick leave rates.
DAK officials call for a comprehensive discussion on the underlying causes of the high sick leave rates, dismissing simplistic solutions like ending telephonic sick notes.