DAK: More days of absence in the north in the third quarter

North's Sick Day Soar in Q3 Report

New figures from DAK-Gesundheit suggest an uptick in absences in Schleswig-Holstein during the third quarter this year. Despite no summer flu outbreak, the sickness rate skyrocketed to 5.3%, up from 4.5% the previous year [1]. On average, workers missed four and a half days due to illness between July and September.

According to DAK, the primary culprits behind this surge are mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders. There was a staggering 59% increase in mental health-related sick leave, as well as a 22% rise in musculoskeletal disorders [1].

Rising pressures and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global crises are placing an immense mental strain on individuals, explains regional head of DAK-Gesundheit in Schleswig-Holstein, Cord-Erik Lubinski [1]. Additionally, numerous industries are grappling with staffing shortages, further exacerbating the situation. He emphasizes the urgency for companies to prioritize employee health and well-being as a top agenda item [1].

DAK warns of the vicious circle that could ensue, where heightened sickness rates may exacerbate existing staffing shortages [1]. As workers continue to juggle workloads to minimize disruptions, strategies addressing mental health issues and fostering a balanced lifestyle may help substantially reduce health-related absences in the workplace.

Enrichment Insights

The intricate mosaic of factors contributing to the substantial increase in mental health and musculoskeletal disorders can be traced back to various roots:

Respiratory Diseases and COVID-19: The ongoing pandemic and the resurgence of other respiratory diseases have led to more instances of illness, which in turn have escalated sick leave [2].
Mental Illnesses: The pandemic has amplified mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which have become major factors contributing to sick leave [2].
Musculoskeletal Disorders: These afflictions, often linked to workplace conditions or physical demands, have also seen a surge, possibly due to prolonged periods of stress and physical strain [2].
Weakening Immune System: Repeated infections and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases have weakened immune systems, making individuals more prone to various diseases [2].
Long COVID: This debilitating condition can increase susceptibility to numerous diseases and worsen existing health problems [2].

Addressing these matters necessitates targeted actions.

Better Workplace Conditions: Improving workplace safety and reducing physical demands can help curtail musculoskeletal disorders [2]. This could involve ergonomic adjustments, frequent breaks, and training for proper lifting techniques.
Mental Health Support: Providing mental health resources, including counseling services and stress management programs, can help mitigate mental illnesses [2].
Public Health Measures: Reintroducing public health protocols, such as mandatory testing and wastewater monitoring, may help curb the spread of infectious diseases [2].
Health Insurance Reforms: Implementing reforms that alleviate financial burdens on patients, such as higher out-of-pocket payment thresholds, could encourage more individuals to seek medical care [2].
Digital Health Certificates: Employing digital health certificates for sick leave could streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens [2].
Employee Well-being Programs: Employers could implement well-being programs that encourage work-life balance, stress reduction, and general health support [2].
Regular Health Check-Ups: Encouraging routine health check-ups and preventative care can help identify and treat health issues early, reducing the need for prolonged sick leave [2].

By addressing these underlying factors and implementing solutions, employers and policymakers can take proactive steps in reducing instances of sick leave due to mental health problems and musculoskeletal disorders in Schleswig-Holstein's workforce.