Decline in absenteeism rate in Germany
In 2003, the absenteeism rate in Germany fell to its lowest level for the past 30 years. At the same, a significant increase in psychological illnesses is reported.
The German Ministry for Health and Social Affairs has published data (in German; pdf file) showing that absenteeism dropped to 3.6% in 2003. This is the lowest level since the introduction of continued payment of remuneration in 1974. These data are based on the sick leave of employees who are covered by statutory health insurance.
| Year | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | 4.8 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Source: Ministry for Health and Social Affairs, Germany | ||||||||||
The Report on Absenteeism 2003 confirms this data. This report, published by the Wissenschaftliches Instititut der AOK (WIdO) in cooperation with the University of Bieldefeld , is based on registered notifications of illness for the 11 million members of the AOK, the largest German statutory health insurer.
The data are based on all notifications of illness, though short-term sick leave up to three days is only considered in cases where a medical certificate had been issued. Long-term sick leave of more than 42 days is included. However, in reviewing these figures, it is important to note that the AOK health insurance is characterised by an overrepresentation of blue-collar workers, while white-collar workers are underrepresented. According to the AOK data, the average duration of absenteeism of 12.3 days decreased in comparison with the previous year.
This report shows a significant increase in psychological illnesses, however, making it the fourth most frequent diagnosis for absence through illness in German companies. Table 2 shows the changing causes of sick leave since 1995.
| Type of illness | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injuries | 100.4 | 91.9 | 91.0 | 90.2 | 91.9 | 89.3 | 88.0 | 85.9 |
| Musculo-skeletal | 102.9 | 92.1 | 90.1 | 95.0 | 101.5 | 107.3 | 110.5 | 109.6 |
| Alimentary | 103.9 | 96.1 | 94.3 | 96.1 | 102.6 | 86.9 | 92.5 | 96.9 |
| Respiratory | 117.8 | 107.1 | 103.8 | 107.4 | 121.6 | 115.3 | 113.2 | 109.9 |
| Cardiovascular | 99.0 | 85.4 | 87.5 | 89.6 | 92.7 | 86.5 | 92.7 | 93.8 |
| Psychological | 104.7 | 97.7 | 102.3 | 111.6 | 123.3 | 146.5 | 165.1 | 174.4 |
| Source: Report on Absenteeism, 2003 | ||||||||
Table 3 presents days of sick leave according to the six most frequent illnesses. Since 1994, the cases of reported psychological illnesses increased by 74.4%, and the number of sick days resulting from these illnesses rose by 36.7%.
| Type of illness | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injuries | 100.7 | 92.6 | 88.5 | 85.8 | 85.3 | 82.7 | 80.4 | 78.5 |
| Musculo-skeletal | 103.6 | 94.1 | 83.3 | 85.3 | 89.2 | 93.4 | 94.9 | 92.7 |
| Alimentary | 99.2 | 86.1 | 78.8 | 77.2 | 78.3 | 71.3 | 71.4 | 71.6 |
| Respiratory | 113.0 | 110.9 | 89.8 | 89.4 | 100.5 | 93.8 | 88.3 | 84.2 |
| Cardiovascular | 99.2 | 88.5 | 81.2 | 79.5 | 78.9 | 71.1 | 72.4 | 71.0 |
| Psychological | 103.5 | 98.4 | 94.3 | 99.7 | 106.3 | 122.4 | 131.9 | 136.7 |
| Source: Report on Absenteeism, 2003 | ||||||||
Depression is found to be one of the chief causes of psychological illnesses, accounting for 37% of all such illnesses. The economic costs of psychological illnesses were estimated to be €3 billion in 2001.
Reasons for reduced absenteeism levels
The report also provides data from a representative survey of almost 2,000 employees on their views as to the reasons for the low rates of absenteeism. The main reason for the decrease in absenteeism rates is ‘ fear of losing one's job’. The survey reveals that in general employees try to avoid taking sick leave: the vast majority of respondents (90.9%) stated that they would not take sick leave even if they did not feel very well and 70.8% said they continued working despite feeling ill. More than half the respondents said they waited for the weekend to recover.
In addition, the survey gives clear indications of psychological strain in working life, such as pressure to work harder, stress, harassment and fear of high work demands. In combination with the subjective feeling of job insecurity, these factors are considered a risk for mental and physical health. On a positive note, the survey also revealed that companies had introduced improvements in the form of health-related measures aimed at reducing absenteeism.