welt.de
German Depression-Related Work Absences Surge 50% in 2024
Data from DAK-Gesundheit reveals a 50 percent increase in German workdays lost to depression in 2024 compared to 2023, totaling 183 lost days per 100 employees, with a significant rise among older workers and a 14 percent increase in long-term absences.
- Which sectors or age groups are most affected by this rise in depression-related absences, and what are the potential underlying causes?
- This surge in depression-related absences affected all age groups, with a particularly sharp rise among those over 60 (from 169 to 249 days per 100 employees). The data, from DAK-Gesundheit, a major German health insurer, analyzed 2.42 million insured employees and reveals a concerning trend in workplace mental health.
- What long-term strategies are needed to address the rising trend of mental health issues in the German workforce, considering both preventative measures and support systems?
- The significant increase in long-term sick leave (29-42 days) by 14 percent highlights the severity and persistence of mental health issues in the German workforce. This necessitates a comprehensive approach involving preventative measures, improved access to mental health resources, and reduced stigma to mitigate future economic and societal consequences.
- What is the extent of the increase in workdays lost due to depression in Germany in 2024 compared to 2023, and what are the immediate implications for businesses and the national economy?
- In 2024, sickness absences due to depression in Germany increased by approximately 50 percent compared to 2023, resulting in 183 lost workdays per 100 employees, up from 122. Overall, mental health diagnoses led to 342 lost workdays per 100 employees in 2024.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the negative consequences of the increase in sick days due to depression, focusing on economic impact and lost productivity. While this is important, a more balanced framing could also highlight the human cost and the importance of addressing mental health issues.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the increase in sick days due to depression, but omits potential contributing factors such as workplace stress, societal pressures, or access to mental health resources. A more comprehensive analysis would explore these factors.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from acknowledging the complexity of mental health issues and the various factors contributing to the increase in sick days. It focuses primarily on the rise in numbers without exploring the multifaceted causes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports a significant increase in sick days due to depression in 2024 compared to 2023, highlighting a deterioration in mental health among employees. This directly impacts SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rise in depression-related absences signifies a setback in achieving this goal. The quote, "The high number of mental illnesses is often associated with long absences and stigmatization for the affected employees and their employers," directly reflects the negative impact on well-being and productivity.