DistantNews
Support us
Care workers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern take more sick leave than elsewhere in Germany
🇩🇪 Germany /Health & Science

Care workers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern take more sick leave than elsewhere in Germany

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Care workers in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern were absent from work due to illness for longer periods in 2025 than their counterparts in other federal states.
  • The average sick leave for these workers was 33 days, compared to 27.8 days nationwide for care workers and 17.7 days for all professions.
  • High physical and psychological strain on the job is cited as the primary reason for the increased sick days, with mental health and musculoskeletal issues being significant contributors.

Care workers in Germany's Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region experienced significantly longer sick leave in 2025 compared to the national average for their profession. Data from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance fund revealed that these essential workers were absent for an average of 33 days due to illness.

This figure contrasts sharply with the national average of 27.8 sick days for care workers and a general average of 17.7 days across all professions. The TK's analysis of sick certificates from its insured members highlights a critical issue within the care sector in this northeastern German state.

Manon Austenat-Wied, head of the TK's state representation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, attributed the extended absences to the immense physical and psychological demands placed on care professionals. "Care workers are subject to strong physical and psychological strain in their field of activity," she stated. The data indicates that mental health issues alone accounted for approximately one week of absence, with respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions each contributing around six days of sick leave.

Care workers are subject to strong physical and psychological strain in their field of activity.

— Manon Austenat-WiedHead of the TK-Landesvertretung Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, explaining the reasons for higher sick leave among care workers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog