Sick leave reaches record high - here's what's behind it - Germany's Sick Leave Surges to Record Highs, Sparking Political Debate
Sick leave durations in Germany have surged significantly, sparking political debate. The number of cases has reached an all-time high, with 228 cases per 100 members in 2024, surpassing the previous record. Experts like Helmut Schröder attribute this primarily to psychological and social factors, not just medical causes.
The average AOK-insured employee took sick leave 2.3 times last year. While mental health conditions were less frequent, they resulted in far longer absences, averaging 28.5 days per case. Respiratory illnesses drove the surge, accounting for over one-third of sick leave cases. The introduction of electronic sick leave notifications in 2022 is seen as a key factor in the increase.
Politicians are discussing ways to reduce the burden on doctors, including minimizing visits for minor ailments. Early projections for 2025 suggest similarly high absence rates. Between September 2024 and March 2025, upper respiratory infections peaked due to lingering vulnerabilities from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The high number of sick leave certifications in Germany continues, with upper respiratory infections being the primary driver. Experts and politicians are exploring solutions to manage this trend, with a focus on reducing the strain on medical professionals.
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