High incidence of sick individuals in Bavaria: noticeable disparities amongst various professions
In the first half of 2023, Bavaria has seen a notable increase in illness-related absences, with an overall rate of 4.8%, slightly below last year's 5.0%, according to a DAK analysis.
Employees in elderly and healthcare services were absent for an average of 12.7 days, while those in childcare facilities were absent for around 11 days. The average absence for all professions was just under nine days. However, it's worth noting that employees in the financial services and tax consulting sectors were significantly less likely to be absent due to illness, with an average of just under six days.
The wave of infections subsided from the second quarter, but the analysis reveals that colds and the flu caused a 10% increase in absences compared to the same period in the previous year. Respiratory diseases were the most common cause of absenteeism, accounting for 22% of cases, followed by musculoskeletal disorders at 17%. Interestingly, psychological illnesses accounted for 17% of absences, with a 7% decrease in the number of absences compared to last year.
DAK regional manager Rainer Blasutto assesses the absenteeism rate as concerning, particularly in care and heavily stressed industries. He calls for prevention, health promotion, and occupational health management to be given greater priority. Blasutto sees a need for action, especially in these sectors, to minimise the impact of illness-related absences on both individuals and the economy.
The analysis also shows that the average duration of illness decreased slightly from 9.7 to 9.3 days. However, the number of absences due to respiratory diseases increased from 173 to 190 per 100 insured persons.
On average, 48 out of 1,000 employees were unable to work each day due to illness. These figures highlight the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the issue of illness-related absences in Bavaria.
The source of the information is tkip/dpa. For more detailed, recent data regarding the top professions with the highest rates of illness-related absences in Bavaria, it's recommended to consult the latest DAK Gesundheit health report or press release directly.
- Science and workplace wellness initiatives could potentially address the concerning absenteeism rates in care and heavily stressed industries, as suggested by DAK regional manager Rainer Blasutten.
- The health-and-wellness sector might find it interesting to note that psychological illnesses accounted for a significant portion of the absences (17%) in Bavaria, with a 7% decrease in the number of absences compared to last year.
- General news outlets may want to cover the finding that while the average duration of illness decreased slightly, the number of absences due to respiratory diseases increased, signaling a persistent challenge in the region's health landscape.