Overview

• Employee absenteeism in Germany reached a 6.0% sickness rate in the first quarter of 2025, up from 5.5% in 2023.
• Respiratory illnesses, including colds and bronchitis, caused a 24% increase in sick days compared to the same period in 2024.
• Nearly 40% of employees had at least one sick leave in early 2025, a slight rise from 38% in the previous year.
• Mental health issues, such as depression, and musculoskeletal problems, like back pain, remain significant contributors to absenteeism.
• DAK-Gesundheit CEO Andreas Storm calls for a serious discussion on the underlying causes, citing the implications for Germany's struggling economy.