DAK working parents relatively rarely ill

Rush hour generation with below average sick leave

03/21/2014

The DAK health has published its report on the sick leave in Hesse and thereby the „Rushhour generation“ (25- to 39-year-olds) will be given special attention to determine how existing multiple exposures at this stage of life affect health. Although many men and women in the „Rush hour of life“ As working parents are under enormous pressure, they are „especially healthy compared to the younger and older age groups in Hesse“, reports the DAK. On behalf of the health insurance, the IGES Institute in Berlin had analyzed the data of almost 228,000 employed persons insured.

Overall, the Health Report of the DAK in Hesse for 2013, a rise in sick leave by 0.2 points to 4.2 percent. Nationwide, the average sickness rate was four percent. Every employee in Hesse was absent for an average of 15.4 days at work, at the federal level it was 14.6 days. It is noticeable, that „Employees in Hesse increasingly sick due to mental illness written“ become, reports the DAK. So have „It's three percent more days off due to depression or anxiety than a year ago“ given. In addition, in the current national report in particular the health situation of the Rushhour generation was considered in more detail. More than 3,000 men and women of this age group were questioned in a representative manner.

Low sick leave in the rush hour generation
Although the health report has shown that the rush hour generation is less ill than the average. But may „The comparatively low sickness rate of 25 to 39 year olds does not obscure the fact that at this age the first approaches to chronic diseases are forming“, explained Herbert Trittel of DAK-Gesundheit. „If these particularly stressed younger employees are to remain productive until the age of 67, employers must invest more sustainably in the health of their employees“, so the demand of the expert. In Hesse be „In the rush hour of life already four out of ten workers with back problems in treatment“, reports the DAK on. The results would show, „that many mothers and fathers make a compromise between themselves and their job in a balancing act between job and children“ and „especially enough sleep and a healthy diet on the track“ stay, stressed Trittel. In addition, drive „ Employed with children less sport than working without children“, the expert continues.

Long-term impairments to be feared
According to the DAK, the evaluation of the data revealed that among the 20 most frequent single diagnoses in men „Rushhour generation“ In addition to the acute symptoms already long-term impairments can be found. So be „Nearly eight percent of men in treatment for hypertension, which is often associated with stress and lack of exercise.“ Complaints such as back pain and hypertension are included according to the DAK as syndromes „younger workers, as they can return frequently and severely.“ In addition, it was critical that about 59 percent of working parents in Hesse stated that they did not have enough time for themselves. This also led to an increased mental stress. However, workers with children are exposed to approximately the same burden of chronic stress, such as childless workers, reports the DAK. „Even full-time mothers do not have higher stress levels than mothers working part-time or non-working mothers“, so the message of the health insurance. According to the DAK, the rush hour of life is a test of endurance for relations. For example, 39 percent of respondents said they neglected their partnership.

Better compatibility of work and family desired
In the course of its survey, the DAK has also found that family-friendly offers from the state and businesses are handled by the „Rushhour generation“ willingly accepted. For example, the offer of part-time work is often used. „Eighty percent of the working parents consider the shortened working hours as a relief to reconcile work and family life“, reports the DAK and adds: „Almost as many respondents are aware of offers from their company.“ However, many parents would miss out on company nurseries and emergency child care, the DAK continues. Only 9.1 per cent (company kindergartens) and 8.7 per cent (emergency child care) of the respondents had reported of corresponding offers. Many men would also want more support in the use of a parental leave and employment models such as the home office or teleworking in order to better combine family and work, reports the DAK. (Fp)