Sharp increase in sickness reports: AOK's 2023 absenteeism report shows a worrying trend

Sharp increase in sickness reports: AOK's 2023 absenteeism report shows a worrying trend

In its 2023 absenteeism report, the AOK found a sharp increase in sick leave due to mental illnesses in companies. According to a current analysis, sickness reports due to mental illnesses increased by 48 percent from 2012 to 2022, while all other disease groups saw an increase of 35 percent. Occupations in health and social services, in “public administration/social insurance” and in “banks/insurance companies” were particularly affected.

Compared to other illnesses, mental illnesses are often associated with longer periods of absence. In 2022, mental illnesses lasted an average of 29.6 days, while respiratory illnesses, for example, only lasted 7.1 days.

The survey by the AOK Scientific Institute as part of the 2023 absenteeism report also shows that many employees suffer from psychological stress. Exhaustion, anger, annoyance and listlessness are the most common complaints mentioned in connection with work. 78 percent of those surveyed complain of exhaustion, 75 percent of anger and annoyance and 66 percent of listlessness. Although the values ​​have fallen slightly compared to previous years, they are still above pre-pandemic levels.

The survey also shows that 47 percent of employees perceive strong to very strong changes in their companies, both as a result of the pandemic and as a result of technological developments. 35 percent are afraid of the future regarding the situation in society as a whole, while only 8 percent are afraid of the future regarding their employer. According to the survey, companies that are considered sustainable by their employees have fewer absences from work. These employees were absent an average of 11.6 days due to illness in the last twelve months before the survey, while for employees who rated their future viability worse, the average was 16.2 days.

The increasing number of sick reports due to mental illnesses has a significant impact on the labor market and the financial sector. Companies may face increased employee downtime, which can lead to production delays and financial losses. In addition, the costs of sick pay and staffing at representations are increasing. The increased psychological stress on employees can also have an impact on job satisfaction, work quality and the working atmosphere. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to invest in workplace health promotion and to offer measures to prevent stress and provide psychological support.

According to a report by Ruhr Nachrichten [Source](https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/ueberregionales/ Fehlzeiten-report-2023-aok-starker-stieg-von-krankmelden-psychische-kranken-w796643-2000973412/