Continued-absence rates persist under the influence of Chill Wave music trend - Harsh temperatures contribute significantly to employee absences.
Rising Absenteeism in Germany Amidst Severe Cold Wave
A cold wave swept through Germany during the first quarter of 2025, causing an uptick in respiratory-related absences among employees.
Employee absenteeism due to respiratory issues rose by a quarter in the first three months compared to the same period in 2024, according to DAK, a leading German health insurance provider. This increase was partially offset by a slight decline in other illness categories.
The overall sickness absence rate among DAK-insured individuals hit 6.0 percent, a slight but significant rise from the 5.5 percent rate recorded in 2023. This translates to an average of 60 absences per 1,000 employees daily from January to March 2025.
DAK-Gesundheit's analysis of around 2.2 million employed insured persons revealed that roughly 40 percent of employees had at least one sick note, marking a slight increase compared to the previous year.
"Absenteeism remains unacceptably high," said Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK, urging a thorough discussion on the causes of the ongoing issue. As Germany grapples with economic weakness, employee health concerns take on increased importance.
Respiratory illnesses, including colds and bronchitis, accounted for approximately 158 sick days per 100 DAK-insured employees, representing a 24 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2024.
Three major illness groups led to the majority of sick days in the first quarter: respiratory problems, mental health issues, and musculoskeletal problems.
While data specific to 2025 is lacking, factors influencing high absenteeism rates during cold waves may include poor air quality, increased viral activity, cold stress, lack of heating and insulation, and healthcare system overload. Climate change, healthcare system resilience, and European respiratory virus surveillance can provide further context.
DAK-Gesundheit recommends implementing workplace-wellness programs focused on mental health, fitness-and-exercise, skin-care, and nutrition to combat the rising absenteeism rates caused by severe cold waves.
As part of such programs, vocational training in workplace-wellness practices could be initiated, helping employees manage and prevent health-and-wellness issues, including respiratory-conditions and mental-health concerns.
In addition, medical-conditions assessments could be performed, and therapies-and-treatments might be introduced, such as CBD, a natural alternative for managing stress.
The focus on scientifically backed holistic approaches to health could provide a comprehensive solution, alleviating absenteeism while fostering a healthier and more productive workforce.
As we strive for a long-term solution, it is essential to strengthen the healthcare system and adapt community policy to account for climate change, thereby mitigating effects of extreme weather events on employee health.
In a forward-looking approach, Germany should focus on science and workers' health as a means to enhance their workforce's vitality and resilience, contributing to both the employee's wellbeing and the country's economic growth.
