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World
Lower Saxony: work absenteeism rate drops slightly in first half of 2026
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 1 min read
The essentials
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.
- Work absenteeism rate slightly down in Lower Saxony in H1 2026
- Respiratory absences: -20%, at 169 days per 100 employees
- Mental health issues increased during the same period
- Average sick leave duration also rose, according to reports
What we know
The sick leave rate — referred to in German as Krankenstand — in Lower Saxony declined slightly in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This is revealed by an analysis from DAK-Gesundheit, a German health insurance fund.
The decline is largely explained by a drop in absences related to respiratory illnesses — colds and similar conditions. These absences fell roughly 20% year-over-year, reaching 169 days per 100 employees.
At the same time, mental health issues increased in Lower Saxony during this first half.
169
Days of absence for respiratory illnesses per 100 employees (H1 2026, Lower Saxony)
~-20%
Year-over-year decline in respiratory absences in Lower Saxony
What remains uncertain
According to information from a single source, the average duration of sick leave also appears to have increased in the first half of 2026. This point appears in the headline of the original report, but is not supported by specific figures in available data.
The extent of the increase in mental health issues and any potential explanatory factors are not specified in available data.
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by the term Krankenstand?
Krankenstand is the German term for the sick leave rate among employees. The DAK-Gesundheit analysis relies on this indicator to measure work absences due to health reasons.
Why did respiratory illness absences decline?
Available data does not specify the causes of this decline. The analysis notes a roughly 20% year-over-year drop in respiratory illness absences, without identifying underlying factors.
What specific mental health issues are covered in this analysis?
Available data does not specify which mental health issues are covered or provide figures on their extent. Only their increase in the first half of 2026 is noted.
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