Healthcare workers in RLP consistently take sick leave for approximately one month - Healthcare Workers in RLP Set to Go on Strike After Being Ill for Nearly a Month
In Rhineland-Palatinate, care workers accumulated nearly 30 days of absences last year, a recent analysis by the regional office of Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) reveals. This figure surpasses the national average by about 50%.
The increased number of sick days can be attributed to challenging working conditions in the care sector, including stress, mental and physical strain, and a shortage of skilled workers, TK's head of the Rhineland-Palatinate regional office, Jörn Simon, states. Mental health issues accounted for nearly six out of the total 30 absences, while musculoskeletal disorders accounted for approximately five absences.
Nationwide, employees were absent for around 20 days in 2024. Care assistants in Germany, however, were absent for 29.8 days, according to the analysis.
To address these issues, TK called for improved working conditions, including opportunities for further training, allowing specialized nursing staff to perform certain medical tasks, and flexible working hours to achieve a better work-life balance. Improved working conditions could bolster the appeal of care professions for prospective and returning workers, as well as support employees in maintaining their health amidst demanding jobs.
While specific data on Rhineland-Palatinate's care workers may be limited, general trends in Germany suggest that factors such as low pay, high stress, lack of benefits, and poor work-life balance could contribute to absenteeism in the sector.
In broader contexts, recent strikes across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and public services, indicate rising discontent among workers seeking better pay and working conditions. The minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour. However, specific wages for care workers may vary based on collective agreements and qualifications.
Factors such as predictable work schedules, respectful treatment by employers, training opportunities, and benefits like healthcare can also influence job satisfaction and absenteeism, underscoring their importance in various professions. In light of the challenges facing care workers, TK's regional chief highlighted the importance of workplace health management to support employees in their demanding roles.
- To further improve the well-being and health of care workers in Rhineland-Palatinate, the implementation of comprehensive workplace health management could be beneficial, as highlighted by Jörn Simon, TK's regional chief.
- In the pursuit of addressing mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders among care workers, vocational training programs focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health might prove essential to bolstering their physical and mental resilience.
- Integrating science and evidence-based practices in the design of vocational training programs for care workers is vital to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the demanding and stressful workplace conditions, contributing to their overall well-being and reduced absenteeism.
