Sickness reports at a record high: Germany's blue-collar workers in focus!

Sickness reports at a record high: Germany's blue-collar workers in focus!

Germany has recently emerged as a stronghold for sickness-related absences. A current ZDF documentary entitled “On the Pulse with Mitri Sirin – Blaumacher Republic of Germany?” highlights the alarming figures and the associated social challenges. Loud Focus The average number of sick days per employee has increased from 10.6 in 2018 to 14.8 days in 2024, which reflects increasing psychological stress and an overall unhealthy work culture.

Trigema founder Wolfgang Grupp also has his say in the documentary. He proposes reducing sick pay to 80%, potentially encouraging companies to take preventive health measures. Trigema in Burladingen, a traditional textile company, has over 100 years of experience in the industry and already offers a range of health initiatives, including support with a health woman and regular gymnastics. Group leader Carola Huber and works council member Karl-Josef Schoser report incentives such as a 50 euro fuel voucher for employees with few sick reports, which keeps sick leave below the national average.

Consequences of absences and starting points for improvement

Medical costs are a growing problem. Every year, German companies pay around 77 billion euros for continued wage payments. At the same time, many employees are afraid of calling in sick, especially in jobs where the pressure is high. A delivery driver from Potsdam speaks openly about poor working conditions that often cause employees to hesitate to report their illness.

Furthermore, there is evidence that a significant number of workers, according to a man who remained anonymous, regularly take sick leave for up to 28 days a year without serious concerns about the consequences. This raises questions about corporate culture and shows that many Germans – around 79% – have no understanding of the so-called “blue-collar” thing.

Measures against the sick leave problem

The employer perspective is also important. Employers have the right to take measures to deal with absenteeism in the event of illness. The legal requirements stipulate that employees must report their inability to work immediately and submit a medical certificate within four days. Workplace health promotion measures are crucial to minimizing absenteeism. These include, among other things, the ergonomic design of workplaces, exercise options and healthy food.

Corporate health management can identify health risks and develop strategy-based interventions. Employers should support preventative health programs to promote employee health and increase productivity. Return talks and gradual reintegration can also be helpful in enabling long-term illnesses to return smoothly. Regular health examinations and employee training on health care can also be useful here Herfurtner law firm explained.

Overall, the ZDF documentary shows the complex reality of sick leave in Germany and underlines the need for structural changes - both at the company level and in relation to society as a whole.