Saarlouis' health statistics show fewer illness instances compared to the Saarland overall average, with respiratory diseases being the primary culprit.
Saarlouis Workers Report Fewer Sick Days Than Saarland Average, BARMER Study Reveals
Employees in the district of Saarlouis took fewer sick days than the Saarland average in 2022 according to a recent study by health insurer BARMER. The district's sickness rate of 6.9 percent ranked below the regional average of 7.1 percent and the national average of 6.2 percent.
On a daily basis, 69 out of every 1,000 workers in Saarlouis were absent due to illness on average, BARMER data showed. Ulrich Jene, Regional Manager for the insurer in Saarlouis, discussed these findings.
The average Saarlouis worker missed 25.1 days of work due to illness each year and had 1.8 sick days, the study found. Notably, respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds accounted for 5.1 days of absence per employee, followed closely by mental health issues with 5.0 days and musculoskeletal problems with 4.6 days.
Jene attributed the increase in respiratory infections to a lack of flu and cold season in spring 2021 and an increase in human contacts post-pandemic. He emphasized the growing importance of mental health in the workplace, stating that factors such as a lack of team cohesion could lead to increased depression.
Jene stressed the significance of occupational health management to address mental health issues and reduce absences. He encouraged companies in Saarlouis to focus more on this area.
The latest data serves as a reminder of the importance of employee health and well-being, and the need for proactive measures to support and prevent sickness.
Further findings from the BARMER study underscored the rising incidence of mental health-related absences, with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders being one of the top reasons for sick leave. The study identified variations across different employment sectors and demographic groups, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors and among younger employees.
To address mental health issues in the workplace, the study recommended promoting mental health awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing training for managers, enhancing work environments, offering access to professional support, introducing return-to-work programs, and fostering collaboration among health insurers, employers, and employees. These recommendations aimed to create tailored local mental health strategies for Saarlouis.
The BARMER study provided a valuable insight into the current state of employee health in Saarlouis and offered actionable recommendations for employers and policymakers to prioritize workers' mental well-being.
- Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, are becoming a significant cause of sick leave in Saarlouis, according to the BARMER study.
- The study suggests that promoting mental health awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing training for managers, and fostering collaboration among health insurers, employers, and employees could help address mental health issues in the workplace and create tailored local mental health strategies for Saarlouis.
- The BARMER study also indicates that respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds still account for a notable share of absences in the Saarlouis workforce, highlighting the need for both physical and mental health interventions in health-and-wellness programs for employees.
