Increase in Respiratory Failure Cases by Nearly a Third During the Initial Quartile in Schleswig-Holstein
Here's a Fresh Take:
DAK Health: Winter's Bite in Schleswig-Holstein
A Sneak Peek:
- 20250528_PM_Sickness_Rate_SH_Q1.pdfPDF - 476 kB
Press Release for Your PerusalThe winter chills of Schleswig-Holstein pack quite a punch: DAK-covered workers in the north took about a third more respiratory-related sick days compared to Q1 2024*. This increase was somewhat balanced out by minor drops in most other illness categories. Consequently, the overall sickness rate for Q1 tallied at 6.2%, just a hairbreadth above the previous year's figure. Across Germany, the sickness rate nudged up by 0.1 percentage points to 6.0%. Schleswig-Holstein finds itself towards the upper-middle portion of the sickness-absence rankings. Dive deeper into the details in our latest press release.
Warm Regards,
The DAK Health Team for Schleswig-Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein: A One-Third Spike in Respiratory Sick Days
- DAK Health analyzed the absences of 108,000 employees from Jan to Mar 2025
- Sickness rate jumps slightly to 6.2%
The first three months of 2025 in Schleswig-Holstein played host to a chilly wave of colds: DAK-insured employees were afflicted by nearly a third more respiratory-related illnesses than in Q1 2024*. This surge was mostly counteracted by minute dips in most other health issues. As a result, the overall sickness rate for Q1 clocked in at 6.2%, barely edging up from the previous year's 6.1%. Nationwide, the sickness rate expanded by 0.1 percentage points to 6.0%.
Respiratory ailments dominated the health landscape: Bronchitis, common colds, and assorted respiratory infections yielded a combined 157.3 sick days per 100 employees in Q1. This represented a 29% increase compared to the previous year's first quarter. "Absenteeism in Schleswig-Holstein remains robust. The upward trend of Q1 2024 has yet to be solidified in 2025," says Cord-Eric Lubinski, head of DAK Health in Schleswig-Holstein. "In light of Germany's prolonged economic slump, employee absences assume added significance."
More Sick Days due to Respiratory Ailments
Approximately 41% of men and almost 45% of women called in sick at least once during Q1. The lion's share of the sickness rate was attributed to respiratory problems. Mental health issues like depression placed second, while musculoskeletal issues like back pain rounded out the top three. These health issues saw slight decreases in comparison to the previous year's quarter.
Schleswig-Holstein: Middle of the Pack in the Federal Picture
The sickness rate in Schleswig-Holstein clocked in at 6.2%, representing a very slight uptick from the previous year's 6.1%. This translates to an average of 62 workers absent each day from Jan to Mar-end. "Schleswig-Holstein sits comfortably in the upper-middle tier of the federal sickness-absence rankings," says Lubinski. "Our latest analysis further champions the necessity of proactive corporate health management for businesses, a service we've already been providing to numerous companies."
For the complete absence analysis for Q1 2025, the IGES Institute analyzed data from around 108,000 DAK-insured employees in Schleswig-Holstein.
For more insights on occupational health management and exclusive offers from DAK for businesses and their employees, visit: www.dak.de/bgm
- There was a methodological change in processing the work incapacity data at DAK. The Q1-2024 data used for comparison is from the new methodology calculations in July 2024. This difference may cause minor discrepancies from previously reported Q1-2024 values calculated under the old methodology.
Press contact:
Sönke Krohn
Nagelsweg 27-31, 20097 Hamburg
- The increase in respiratory-related sick days among DAK-covered workers in Schleswig-Holstein could potentially be addressed through workplace-wellness programs, focusing on health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and mental health, as these conditions may be interconnected.
- As chronic diseases like respiratory ailments continue to impact the workforce in Schleswig-Holstein, it is important to consider the role of science in identifying treatment options and prevention strategies for these medical conditions.
- In order to combat the rising sickness rate and ensure a healthier workforce, companies in Schleswig-Holstein might benefit from implementing wellness programs that address chronic diseases, mental health, and overall fitness and exercise.
- As workplace health becomes increasingly important, DAK Health could expand its services to provide comprehensive solutions for managing chronic diseases, mental health issues, and employee fitness, all crucial components of health and wellness.
