Surge in sickness rates during flu and cold spells, according to a recent study by DAK
In the first half of 2025, the nationwide sickness rate was 5.4 percent, a slight decrease from the previous year's level of 5.7 percent. This analysis, conducted by the Berlin-based IGES Institute and based on data from 2.25 million employed DAK-insured persons, provides valuable insights into the health trends of the past six months.
One of the most striking findings is the increased prevalence of respiratory illnesses, which accounted for the largest share of the sickness rate at 22.4 percent. This rise is attributed mainly to the cold wave that swept through the country in January and February, causing a 13 percent increase in respiratory absence days compared to the previous year.
Employees in certain professions experienced higher rates of absenteeism due to respiratory illnesses. Those working in elderly care, healthcare, and kindergartens had particularly high rates, with an average of 12.9 days per person in the first half of 2025. In contrast, employees in IT professions had the fewest absence days, with 6.4 days per person.
Interestingly, psychological illnesses such as depression accounted for 17 percent of the sickness rate, while musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain accounted for another 17 percent.
It's worth noting that while there are no direct search results detailing an analysis by the IGES Institute for DAK-Gesundheit on an increase in respiratory illnesses leading to a high sickness rate in the first half of 2025, related information on respiratory health trends and research findings from 2025 can provide context.
For more detailed and specific data or an official report, consulting directly with the IGES Institute or DAK-Gesundheit's publications or press releases from 2025 would be necessary. Additionally, information on occupational health management and special offers from DAK-Gesundheit for companies and their employees can be found at www.dak.de/bgm.
A press release regarding the sickness rate in the first half of 2025 is available for download at the URL provided in the first bullet point, titled "20250705_PM_Sick_Leave_1stHalf2025.pdf" and is 105 kB in size.
Half of the employed were absent at least once between January and June 2025, underscoring the impact of illness on productivity and well-being. As we move forward, understanding these trends and taking proactive measures to address them will be crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.
- The IGES Institute reported that chronic diseases, such as respiratory conditions and psychological illnesses like depression, collectively accounted for 34 percent of the nationwide sickness rate in the first half of 2025.
- The mention of respiratory conditions in the analysis conducted by the IGES Institute was linked to a 13 percent increase in absence days due to cold weather, affecting specific professions like elderly care, healthcare, and kindergartens more than others.
- Adopting an approach that prioritizes scientific advancements and workplace wellness could help in mitigating medical conditions, such as chronic diseases and mental health issues, associated with a high sickness rate.
- Nutrition and fitness and exercise have been identified as essential elements for promoting overall health and wellness and could play a significant role in reducing sick leave due to preventable health issues.
- In the realm of health improvement strategies, the use of CBD, a compound known for its potential benefits in managing health issues like chronic pain and anxiety, may be an option worth considering to support employee well-being in the workplace.
