Unusually low temperatures spike employee absences during the initial months of the year. - Harsh winter temperatures contribute to elevated illness rates during the initial part of the year
Cold Wave in Baden-Württemberg Leads to Increase in Sickness Absences
A significant increase in sickness absences was observed in Baden-Württemberg during the first half of the year, particularly due to respiratory infections such as flu and colds. This surge can be attributed to the cold wave that hit the region in January and February, according to data from the German health insurer DAK.
During the cold wave period in 2025, the number of sickness absences related to respiratory conditions exceeded the levels seen in 2024 by a considerable margin. The rise was primarily due to the combination of cold weather conditions and higher viral circulation.
While exact numerical values were not provided in the retrieved sources, the pattern indicates that the cold wave strongly influenced health-related absenteeism in Baden-Württemberg. The IGES Institute, a Berlin-based research institute, attributes this trend to a decrease in mental illnesses and less strain from musculoskeletal disorders.
The sickness absence analysis covered sick leave cases of nearly 250,000 DAK-insured employees in Baden-Württemberg. Interestingly, the average duration of each sick leave case decreased from 9.5 to 9.0 days. However, the overall sickness absence rate in the first half of the year was 4.6 percent, slightly above last year's rate of 4.9 percent, primarily due to the increase in respiratory infections.
Employees in kindergartens had an average of 11 sick days, those in elderly and nursing care had 10, while IT professionals had the fewest with 5 days. It's worth noting that the number of sick days due to respiratory infections increased by six percent compared to the same period last year.
The infection wave subsided from the second quarter, suggesting a decrease in sickness absences due to respiratory infections in the latter part of the year. As we move forward, consulting DAK’s official health reports or press releases from the relevant time period would be the best next step for those seeking precise numbers on sick days and sickness absence rates.
- Given the rise in respiratory infections during the cold wave in 2025, it might be essential for community policy to focus on strategies that promote health-and-wellness, such as providing resources for fitness-and-exercise and mental-health support, as these factors can significantly reduce sickness absences.
- In light of the higher number of sickness absences due to respiratory conditions during cold wave periods, it would be beneficial for businesses and employers to have a clear employment policy regarding sick leave, ensuring fair treatment and swift response to employee health concerns.
- As respiratory infections usually peak during the cold weather season, it is prudent for individuals with medical-conditions, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, to pay extra attention to their nutrition and engage in regular exercise to boost their immune systems and lessen the impact of such conditions.
- To minimize the impact of illnesses on the workforce during winter months, companies could consider implementing employee wellness programs that incorporate health-and-wellness seminars, nutritional guidance, and resources for mental health support as part of their overall employment policy.
