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Colds responsible for high sick leave
01/23/2014
The long winter last year has left its mark on the health of the Germans. In the first half of 2013, more sick leave was registered than in 2012. Especially colds were responsible for the majority of missed days.
According to the data of 2.7 million workers insured in DAK health, mental illness has continued to increase. They now rank third on the most frequently diagnosed diagnoses. Overall, the sickness rate climbed from 3.8 to 4.0 percent. According to this, four out of every 100 employees reported sick every working day last year.
Common musculoskeletal disorders
"The number of missing days due to cold and cough increased by a quarter," it said in the release of the box office. Cough, bronchitis and pneumonia were responsible for "17.3 percent of all absences" according to the statistics. That's an increase of around three percent over the previous year. In the past year, 50.6 percent of all employed insured persons had at least one sick leave. Musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, were the most common cause. But also complaints about the ligaments, tendons and nerves made things difficult for the employees. "The rise in sick leave is not dramatic," said DAK chief executive Herbert Rebscher. "Cold waves have always existed."
Reasons for the increase are not always clear
A reliable analysis of the reasons for the increased sick leave is usually difficult. In addition to the average age of employees and the type of diseases, many other factors usually play a crucial role. There could be significantly more sick employees. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), had in the past found that many workers at least occasionally go to work sick. The fear of losing one's own job plays a decisive role here. In a statement issued in 2011, IG Metall announced in a statement that, according to the health report of Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), temporary workers and temporary workers were more likely to be incapacitated for work than is the case with conventional employees. Lack of employment insecurity and pay are the most prevalent cause of illness in these jobs, according to the report. (Fr)