Fresh Take on Employee Absences in Schleswig-Holstein
In an unexpected turn of events, Schleswig-Holstein has witnessed an unprecedented surge in work absences due to health issues.
Skyrocketing Absence Rates
The absence rate among workers in Schleswig-Holstein reached an astounding 7.0% during the initial half of the year, as per data from AOK. This figure surpasses the previous record of 6.8% set in the first half of 2023. The year prior saw a 6.4% absence rate, while the first six months of 2021 had an absence rate of 5.0%. On average, the 310,000 workers insured by AOK NordWest in Schleswig-Holstein missed approximately 12.7 workdays within the first half of 2024. February saw the highest absence rate, with 8.1%.
Cold and Respiratory Woes
Cold and respiratory ailments have been identified as the primary culprits for the sudden increase in work absences. According to AOK NordWest CEO, Tom Ackermann, "Respiratory infections and colds" led to the large number of leave days. The percentage of leave days due to respiratory illnesses reached 25.6% in the first half of the year, marking a consistent rise. In 2021, the figure was 9.8%, and it jumped to 21.1% in 2022, before skyrocketing to 25.1% in 2023.
Other Contributing Factors
Musculoskeletal diseases, digestive diseases, and injuries followed in importance. The average duration of sickness during a leave in the first half of 2024 was 10.1 days. The public administration sector recorded the highest absence rate, at 8.1%, followed by healthcare and social services with an 8.0%. The banking and insurance sector, along with agriculture and forestry, reported the lowest rates, with 4.5% each.
Impact of Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses, particularly the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have played a significant role in the increased number of work absences. A summary of the global trend and the specific impact on Germany's workforce and various professions, as mentioned in enrichment data, follows:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to record levels of sick leave with respiratory diseases being the primary reason.
- Nursing and childcare professionals have been particularly affected, with an average of 29.8 sick days in 2023.
- Over 40 countries worldwide have reported an increase in infectious diseases, with ten times or more cases compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- RKI has reported a significant increase in respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and rhinoviruses.
- Repeated infections, including asymptomatic cases, have weakened the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various diseases and exacerbating pre-existing health issues.
In conclusion, the recent surge in work absences in Schleswig-Holstein can largely be attributed to respiratory and cold-related ailments, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic playing a significant role in the increase.
