Sick Days in Rhineland-Palatinate Above National Average - Rhineland-Palatinate's workers face rising sick leave due to mental health and respiratory illnesses

Workers in Rhineland-Palatinate took more sick days in 2024 than the national average. Employees insured with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) missed 19.6 days on average, compared to 18.6 days across Germany. The rise in absences was driven largely by mental health issues and respiratory illnesses.

Respiratory infections caused the most lost workdays in 2025, accounting for about 4.1 days per employee. Mental health conditions followed closely, with workers absent for an average of 3.9 days.

Data from the German statutory health insurer DKV shows a sharp increase in psychological sick leave. Between 2021 and 2025, such cases in Rhineland-Palatinate rose by roughly 25%. This growth outpaced the national average of 20% and exceeded most other states, including Bavaria (18%) and North Rhine-Westphalia (22%). Only Berlin (32%) and Hamburg (28%) saw steeper increases.

The trend highlights a growing impact of mental health awareness on workplace absences. Both respiratory diseases and mental health struggles now rank as the top reasons for sick leave in the region.

The figures confirm that Rhineland-Palatinate's workforce faces higher-than-average sick leave rates. Mental health and respiratory illnesses remain the leading causes of absences. Employers and health providers may need to address these challenges as the upward trend continues.