World
Lower Saxony: work absenteeism rate drops slightly in first half of 2026
In the first half of 2026, the sick leave rate in Lower Saxony decreased slightly compared to the same period in 2025, according to an analysis by DAK-Gesundheit, a German health insurance fund. This improvement is driven by a sharp drop in absences due to respiratory illnesses, which fell roughly 20% year-over-year to 169 days per 100 employees. Meanwhile, mental health issues have increased. The average duration of sick leave also appears to have risen, though this point is not yet fully documented.