A significant spike in respiratory illness cases in North Rhine-Westphalia, a federal state in western Germany, has led to a notable increase in employee absences in the first quarter of the year. According to a report by the Krankenkasse DAK, cited in the Rheinische Post, the number of workdays lost due to respiratory issues rose by about a fifth compared to the same period in 2024.
The analysis found that nearly 40 per cent of men and 43 per cent of women in North Rhine-Westphalia had at least one day of sick leave in the first quarter, with respiratory problems being the leading cause of absenteeism. Psychological illnesses, including depression and musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain, followed closely behind.
The overall rate of workdays lost due to illness in North Rhine-Westphalia was 6.3 per cent, slightly above the national average of 6 per cent. The DAK’s Landeschef, Klaus Overdiek, noted that the high level of absences in the state is a significant concern, particularly in light of the ongoing economic downturn, as it has a direct impact on the workforce.