The escalating rates of work absences linked to mental health conditions, recently highlighted in the AOK’s 2025 Absenteeism Report, are triggering serious concerns within Germany’s psychological therapy sector. Andrea Benecke, President of the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapy (BPtK), has voiced alarm over the findings, emphasizing both the individual suffering involved and the significant economic repercussions of delayed or absent treatment.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Benecke stressed that the surge in mental health-related absences isn’t merely a statistic; it represents a tangible crisis impacting both workforce productivity and individual well-being. While acknowledging the immediate human cost, the BPtK president underscored the broader economic ramifications, suggesting a critical need for a fundamental shift in preventative strategies.
Benecke’s call for action goes beyond simply acknowledging the problem. She advocated for the implementation of readily accessible and effective preventative structures within workplaces, coupled with robust employee wellness programs specifically geared towards proactively addressing mental health. The argument presented isn’t one of charity, but a pragmatic investment-“every investment in mental health is also an investment in the economy, in skilled workers, productivity and competitiveness.
Critically, Benecke pointed to a regional disparity, stating that expanding access to psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services is particularly crucial in rural areas, where shortages are likely exacerbating the problem. Moreover, she stressed the necessity of structured return-to-work programs for employees facing prolonged absences, recognizing that inadequate reintegration support can prolong both individual suffering and lost productivity.
The BPtK’s concerns directly challenge current industrial practices and government initiatives, suggesting a need for more targeted funding and potentially stricter mandates concerning employee mental health support. The debate is now shifting toward whether Germany’s economic model prioritizes short-term gains at the expense of long-term workforce health and stability.