As of: January 24, 2024, 8:02 a.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
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Psychological problems among employees are an increasingly serious problem for companies. However, employees' trust in their employer can have positive effects.
The number of employees missing work due to mental illnesses increased by 48 percent from 2012 to 2022.
This is shown by the 2023 absenteeism report from the AOK Scientific Institute (Wido).
For all other diseases there was an increase of 35 percent.
In addition: “Compared to other illnesses, mental illnesses are often associated with particularly long absences,” says Johanna Baumgardt, head of research for corporate health promotion at Wido.
In 2022, mental illnesses would have led to an average of 29.6 days of absence per case, while respiratory illnesses would have resulted in 7.1 days.
Across all diseases, the average in 2022 was 11.3 AU times per case.
In which industries mental illnesses are particularly common
In healthcare professions, absenteeism due to mental illnesses is particularly common (symbolic image).
© BSIP/Imago
The report records the most days of absence due to mental illness in health and social care professions.
14 percent of all days absent from work were due to psychological problems.
They were followed by employees in public administration and social security as well as banks and insurance companies with 13 percent each.
Across all professional groups, the nationwide average of sick leave due to mental illnesses was ten percent.
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Fewer sick days for employees who believe their company is sustainable
In a representative survey in February 2023, 45 percent of employees said that they considered their company to be sustainable.
“This is a very pleasing result because we have also found that there is a clear connection between a positive assessment of the company’s future viability and the health of its employees,” said Baumgardt.
Employees who saw their company as prepared for the future were sick less, with an average of 11.6 days absent, than employees who rated their company's future viability worse.
They had an average of 16.2 days of absence.