Magdeburg – A surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly colds, impacted Saxony-Anhalt during the first quarter of 2025, resulting in a notable increase in employee sick leave. However, a new analysis by DAK Health reveals that overall absenteeism rates across the state declined by 6.6 percent in the first half of the year, a slight decrease from the 6.8 percent recorded in the same period of 2024.

The DAK Health evaluation, based on data from approximately 46,000 insured employees in Saxony-Anhalt, showed a 13 percent rise in sick days attributed to respiratory diseases compared to the first six months of 2024. This initial wave peaked in January adn February,impacting productivity across various sectors,including manufacturing in the industrial city of Halle and public services in Magdeburg. The infection rate began to subside in April, continuing to decline through June.

Despite the early-year cold surge, the overall reduction in sick leave was driven by decreases in reported cases of mental health issues (down 8 percent) and musculoskeletal disorders (down 6 percent). The average duration of each sick leave case also shortened, falling from 10.8 days in the first half of 2024 to 10.3 days in 2025. Dr. Andreas Storm, Chief Medical Officer at DAK Health, noted that these trends suggest a potential shift in the primary causes of employee absenteeism within the region.

The data highlights the ongoing challenges faced by employers in managing employee health and productivity,particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new respiratory viruses. DAK Health plans to continue monitoring absenteeism trends throughout the remainder of 2025 to identify any emerging patterns or potential public health concerns.

Understanding Absenteeism Trends in Germany

Employee absenteeism is a meaningful economic factor in Germany, costing businesses billions of euros annually. While seasonal fluctuations in respiratory illnesses are common, long-term trends indicate a growing prevalence of stress-related and musculoskeletal disorders as primary drivers of sick leave. The German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reported that in 2023, an average of 4.5 percent of employees were absent from work due to illness. Saxony-Anhalt, with its aging population and industrial base, frequently enough experiences slightly higher absenteeism rates compared to the national average.

Preventative health measures, such as workplace wellness programs and vaccination campaigns, are increasingly being implemented by german companies to mitigate the impact of employee illness. Furthermore, the German government has introduced legislation aimed at improving occupational health and safety standards, and also providing greater support for employees experiencing mental health challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sick Leave in Saxony-Anhalt