Germany faces rising mental health-related absenteeism

Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, have become a leading cause of workplace absenteeism in Germany. Data from DAK-Gesundheit indicates that psychically motivated absences rose by nine percent in the first half of 2026, reaching 184 days per 100 insured individuals.

Long-term sick leave often leads to reduced income and job insecurity for those affected. While depression and anxiety disorders are covered under disability law, obtaining a recognized degree of disability (GdB) of 50 or higher remains a significant hurdle. Legal recognition depends on whether the impairment, in combination with environmental barriers, is likely to restrict social participation for more than six months.

This trend follows a period of record-high sickness rates in Germany during 2024 and 2025. Analysts note that the introduction of the mandatory electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU) in Germany in 2022 has made previously ‘invisible’ sick days more visible through automated reporting from doctors to health insurance providers.