Increase in mental health problems over decrease in common colds - Increased instances of common colds, while a decrease in reported cases of mental illnesses
In the first half of 2025, the health insurance company DAK reported a decrease in the overall sickness rate among its insured individuals in Rhineland-Palatinate. On average, 58 out of 1,000 employees were on sick leave each day, marking a decrease from 6 to 5.8%.
This decrease can be attributed to a significant drop in sick days due to mental health diagnoses and musculoskeletal disorders. Mental health issues, such as depression, have seen a 5% decrease, while musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, have decreased by 11%.
However, the story is not the same across all sectors. The elderly and nursing care sector, and educational professions, have sickness rates significantly above the average of around nine sick days. In contrast, the IT sector reported the lowest sickness rate, with an average of seven sick days per person.
The decrease in sick days due to mental health diagnoses and musculoskeletal disorders could be due to various factors. These might include enhanced mental health support, ergonomic improvements, targeted prevention programs, effective workplace health programs, or improved treatment and management of these issues.
The increase in sick days due to flu and colds was primarily due to the cold wave in January and February. However, the subsiding of this cold wave in the second quarter of 2025 might have contributed to the decrease in sick days towards the end of the first half of the year.
The current sickness rate analysis was conducted by the Berlin-based IGES Institute. It is important to note that the analysis only includes data from Rhineland-Palatinate and the sectors mentioned, and does not cover all regions or sectors.
Rainer Lange, DAK's regional manager, has emphasised the need for health promotion and workplace health management to be a priority in sensitive areas with an increasing shortage of skilled workers. This call to action underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve workplace health and reduce sickness absence.
- In light of the decrease in sickness rates, EC countries could consider adopting similar employment policies that focus on workplace-wellness, health-and-wellness, mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, as seen in DAK's success with mental health support and ergonomic improvements.
- Given the lower sickness rates in the IT sector, it would be worthwhile for science to study this industry's approach to workplace health, with an eye towards finding best practices that could benefit other sectors.
- As Rainer Lange points out, in areas experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, it's crucial to prioritize health promotion and workplace health management. This includes initiatives aimed at mental health, physical fitness, and creating healthier work environments.
