Sick leave in retail at highest level since 2003 - Retail’s sickness absence crisis hits a 20-year high in 2024
Sickness absence in retail reached its highest level in over two decades in 2024. On average, more than seven out of every 100 workers were off sick each day, pushing the rate to 7.14 percent. While slightly below the national average of 7.18 percent, the figure marks a sharp rise since 2003.
The increase comes as the sector faces growing economic pressure, with 2,490 insolvencies recorded between August 2024 and August 2025—the highest in years.
Retail workers now take more time off for mental health issues than ever before. In 2024, the average absence for such conditions rose to 5.7 days, up from 3.9 days in 2015. This nearly 50 percent jump reflects broader challenges, including higher stress levels and worsening working conditions.
Several factors are driving the surge in absences. Staffing shortages, intensified by the pandemic, have left employees overworked. Older workers, who are more vulnerable to health problems, now make up a larger share of the workforce. Meanwhile, economic strain—lower consumer demand, cost pressures, and job insecurity—has added to the stress. Digital health services and updated diagnostic criteria have also led to more recorded cases of chronic and mental health conditions.
The retail sector’s absence rate remains lower than in nursing (9.36 percent), metal production (9.33 percent), and public administration (8.70 percent). However, it far exceeds industries like finance (5 percent) and hospitality (4.84 percent). Stefan Genth, CEO of the German Retail Association, has proposed scrapping phone sick notes to help reduce absences.
Intense customer interactions and fierce competition from online retail have further strained employees. Many report higher workloads, fewer breaks, and less support, contributing to the rising absence figures.
The retail sector’s sickness absence rate now stands at its highest since 2003. With mental health-related absences climbing and economic pressures mounting, the industry faces ongoing challenges. The 2,490 insolvencies recorded in the past year highlight the financial strain, while calls for policy changes aim to address the growing issue.
