Older employees in Germany take twice as many sick days as average

Older employees in Germany call in sick more than twice as often as their younger counterparts, with an average of 31.3 sick days annually, according to figures from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health. The statistics were made public in response to a query from the Left party in Germany’s Bundestag and reported by the Rheinische Post.

The report highlights a significant disparity in health-related work absences between age groups. While the overall average for German employees is roughly 15 sick days per year, those aged between 60 and 65 appear to take notably more. This pattern is largely attributed to more frequent illnesses such as colds and influenza, according to data from Germany's statutory health insurance system.

The report also points to an increasing trend in long-term absences among older workers. More than 96,100 employees aged 60 to 65 were reported to have been continuously sick for over a year in 2024. This figure has steadily increased from approximately 92,000 cases in 2023 and about 80,300 cases in 2022.

Sarah Vollath, the spokesperson for pension policy from the Left party in the Bundestag, described the findings as a "clear warning signal." Vollath expressed concerns about the ability of older workers to prolong their careers amid discussions on raising the standard retirement age. She stated that the government's plans to increase the retirement age are out of step with the realities faced by senior employees.

The age-related differences in sick leave are particularly pronounced in administrative roles, where nearly a third of the workforce consists of older employees. This demographic aspect raises questions about workplace policies and the accommodations necessary to support the aging workforce.

The statistics from the statutory health insurance data suggest health-related workplace absences among older employees may continue to pose a challenge for both employers and policymakers as the workforce ages. The German government has been advised to consider these trends in its labor and social policies, especially as it debates potential changes to the retirement system.

As Germany grapples with an aging population, these findings underline the balance policymakers must strive to achieve between optimizing employee health and maintaining productivity. Employers across various sectors may need to invest in health management programs tailored to the needs of older employees to address these challenges effectively.

The rise in long-term health absences among older workers is a multifaceted issue, reflecting both health challenges and systemic workplace factors such as job design, work environment, and access to healthcare resources. Addressing these factors may require coordinated efforts between employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to facilitate a healthier and more sustainable work environment for aging employees.