Mental Health Leading Cause as Germany Sees Slight Drop in Sick Leave First Half 2026

Sick leave rates in Germany have slightly declined in the first half of 2026, with new data showing significant shifts in the causes of absenteeism. The overall sick leave rate was recorded at 5.3%, a modest decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the same period last year. This analysis was conducted by the IGES Institute on behalf of DAK-Gesundheit and draws on data from 2.2 million insured employees.

While absences due to respiratory diseases plummeted by 21%, mental health conditions emerged as the most frequent cause of sick leave, rising by 9%. These psychological illnesses now represent the leading driver of work absenteeism in Germany. The average duration of sick leave increased slightly to 9.7 days, up from 9.5 days last year.

Among different age groups, younger workers under 55 saw a reduction in sick leave rates, whereas employees over 60 experienced a small increase of 0.3 percentage points and longer absences.

In response to these trends, DAK-Gesundheit CEO Andreas Storm highlighted the necessity for stronger prevention efforts targeting long-term illnesses. He welcomed initiatives such as Federal Health Minister Nina Warken's preventive health programs and the recent introduction of partial sick leave policies designed to reduce prolonged absenteeism.

The government is also moving to tighten sick leave regulations by requiring a doctor’s certificate from the first day of illness instead of the fourth. This proposal has sparked protests from medical associations concerned about the additional burden on patients. Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified that the policy does not mandate immediate doctor visits, noting that electronic and video consultations could support remote certification. The use of electronic sick notes since 2022 has improved accuracy in reporting absenteeism.

Overall, these developments reveal a changing landscape in workplace health, with mental health challenges taking greater prominence, while respiratory illnesses become less prevalent in workplace absenteeism records.