Sickness rate in Saxony-Anhalt slightly decreased - Saxony-Anhalt workers take fewer sick days—but mental health struggles persist in 2025
Employees in Saxony-Anhalt took fewer sick days in 2025 than the previous year. Multiple health insurers reported a decline in absences, though mental health issues remained a major factor. The trend contrasts with rising national figures in some areas of illness-related leave.
Three major insurers recorded a drop in sick leave across the state. DAK-Gesundheit reported an average of 23.2 days per employee, while AOK noted a slight decrease to 28.4 days. Barmer's figures also fell, from 26.9 days in 2024 to 25.9 in 2025.
Respiratory diseases stayed the top cause of sick leave, making up nearly a third of cases. Musculoskeletal disorders followed closely, with mental health conditions ranking third. On average, mental health issues accounted for about 5.2 sick days per insured worker in 2025.
Psychological absences in Saxony-Anhalt reached 355 days per 100 employees, slightly above the national average. While this marked a decrease from 381 days in 2024, Germany as a whole saw an increase—from 341.8 to 365.5 days per 100 insured. In neighbouring Saxony, the figure dropped to 326 days.
The overall reduction in sick leave suggests improved workplace health in Saxony-Anhalt. However, mental health equity remains a persistent challenge, with absences still higher than the national average. The data highlights ongoing differences between regional and federal trends in employee well-being.
