Harsh Winter Weather Continues to Increase Student Absences - Persistent cold weather contributes significantly to increased employee absences.
High Absenteeism Rates in Germany Due to Increase in Respiratory Illnesses During Cold Spells
A recent analysis reveals an uptick in employee absences due to respiratory issues in Germany during the first quarter of 2025, largely attributed to a persistent cold wave. Compared to the same period in 2024, employees had approximately a quarter more sick days, primarily due to respiratory ailments like colds and bronchitis.
The overall sickness rate among DAK-insured employees stood at 6.0 percent, a 0.1 percentage point increase from the previous year (5.5 percent). This translates to an average of 60 absences per 1,000 employees each day, ranging from January to March.
According to the study by DAK-Gesundheit, nearly 40 percent of employees secured at least one sick note, a slight increase compared to the previous year (38 percent).
Andreas Storm, DAK's CEO, expressed concern about the rising sickness rates, emphasizing the importance of initiating a comprehensive discussion about the root causes. With Germany's ongoing economic weakness, employee absenteeism has taken on added significance.
Approximately 158 sick days were taken per 100 DAK-insured employees due to respiratory illnesses, representing a 24 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2024. The majority of sick days were attributed to three categories: respiratory problems, mental illnesses, and musculoskeletal issues.
Cold weather conditions during cold spells are thought to contribute to the increase in respiratory infections due to their effects on immune responses and virus spread. Indoor environments may facilitate virus transmission as people spend more time in close-contact settings, while seasonal respiratory viruses tend to surge during cold waves.
Pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions, behavioral factors, and workplace factors may also contribute to the rising absenteeism rates among DAK insured employees in Germany during cold spells.
- Cold wave
- Absenteeism
- Respiratory illness
- DAK
- Germany
- Andreas Storm
- DAK-Gesundheit
- CEO
- Sickness rate
- Hamburg
- Andreas Storm, the CEO of DAK, is expressing concern about the rising sickness rates, particularly those related to respiratory illnesses, among DAK-insured employees in Germany during cold spells.
- Pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions, behavioral factors, and workplace factors may also contribute to the rising absenteeism rates among DAK insured employees in Germany, as indicated by the study conducted by DAK-Gesundheit.
- A community policy addressing pre-existing medical conditions, such as respiratory conditions, fitness and exercise habits, mental health, nutrition, and work environment factors, could potentially contribute to reducing employee absenteeism during cold spells.
- Vocational training programs focusing on health and wellness, including respiratory health management, self-care for common medical conditions, stress management, and proper nutrition, may help employees increase their resilience to cold weather-related illnesses, thereby reducing absenteeism.
