A study by Germany’s Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) reveals that sick leave among employees is costing the economy billions annually.
The report shows that the sick leave rate in 2025 was 5.7 percent – about two percentage points higher than the average between 2003 and 2019. This translates into a loss of up to one percent of annual economic output.
Chief economist Klaus Michelsen estimated that total losses over the past four years could reach €160 billion, excluding the burden on health insurance funds.
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, RSV, and Covid-19 were identified as the main drivers of the surge in sick leave between 2021 and 2022.
Sources – Agencies
