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German Report: Healthy Older Workers Still Desire Early Retirement
🇩🇪 Germany /Health & Science

German Report: Healthy Older Workers Still Desire Early Retirement

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • A DAK health report in Hesse, Germany, indicates that older employees (50+) are less frequently but longer absent from work than younger colleagues.
  • Despite often being in good health, 56% of older employees in Hesse plan to retire before the legal retirement age, a rate 4% higher than the national average.
  • Good working conditions and job satisfaction are key factors that could encourage older employees to continue working, according to the report.

A new health report from the DAK health insurance company reveals that older employees in Hesse, Germany, are considering early retirement, even when in good health. The study, analyzing 257,000 insured employees in Hesse and surveying 1,005 residents, found that while those aged 50 and above are absent from work less often than younger workers, their sick leave periods are significantly longer.

The DAK health report provides important insights for the current debate about pension reform and longer working hours: If every second older employee in the state wants to leave professional life prematurely, that is a clear signal.

— Britta DalhoffDAK regional manager in Hesse, commenting on the report's findings about early retirement intentions.

Specifically, employees over 50 average 180 days of absence per 100 insured individuals, compared to 231 days for younger workers. However, each sick leave instance for older employees lasts an average of 15.3 days, roughly double the 7.9 days for those under 49. Interestingly, the sickness rate drops at age 67, which the DAK attributes to healthier individuals continuing to work past retirement age.

The report highlights a strong desire for early retirement among older workers in Hesse, with 56% planning to leave the workforce before the official retirement age. This figure surpasses the national average by 4 percentage points. Even among those reporting good or very good health, 40% are contemplating early retirement, while 49% of those in poorer health share this intention.

good working conditions

— DAK Health ReportCited as a major factor influencing older employees' decisions about continuing to work.

Britta Dalhoff, DAK's regional manager in Hesse, stated that the findings offer crucial insights into the ongoing debate about pension reform and extended working hours. She emphasized that a "clear signal" is being sent if half of older employees wish to exit the workforce early. The report identifies "good working conditions" (cited by 62%) and "my work brings me great joy" (cited by 57%) as the most significant factors that would encourage employees to remain employed. Dalhoff advocates for improved working conditions, greater workplace appreciation, and occupational health management tailored to the needs of older employees.

My work brings me great joy

— DAK Health ReportCited as another significant factor influencing older employees' decisions about continuing to work.
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.

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