Sickness rate remains stable - Mental health now leads sick leave in Lower Saxony as absences rise
Mental health issues have become the leading cause of sick leave in Lower Saxony. Employees in the region were signed off for an average of just over 20 days in 2025 due to mental health concerns. The latest figures highlight a persistent challenge for workplaces across the state. The sickness absence rate in Lower Saxony has stayed steady at 5.6 percent, with mental health conditions now accounting for the largest portion of time off work. Musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory infections follow closely behind as common reasons for absences. DAK-Gesundheit, a major health insurer, is calling for a closer look at why employees miss work due to mental health issues. Dirk Vennekold, the organisation’s regional head, stresses the need for better working conditions and a supportive company culture to improve mental health awareness. He suggests that structured workplace health programmes could help cut down on absenteeism. Vennekold also recommends bringing together employers, trade unions, doctors, and insurers to find new solutions and create a healthier work environment to tackle the root causes of frequent sick leave due to mental health concerns. The latest data shows no significant drop in absence rates, with mental health now the top concern. DAK-Gesundheit is pushing for joint action to improve workplace well-being and mental health, as without changes, the trend of long-term sick leave may continue across the region.
