Care providers in RLP typically take around 30 days of sick leave. - Healthcare Workers at RLP Hospital Expected to Serve for Around 30 Days Despite Being Ill
Care Assistants in Rhineland-Palatinate Missed Work for Nearly 30 Days Last Year, Analysis Shows
Care workers in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate were absent for nearly 30 days in 2024, according to an analysis by the local branch of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). This accounted for approximately 50% more absences than the national average for care workers.
The increased number of sick days among care assistants is primarily linked to the challenging working conditions within the care sector, the TK detailed. Mental strain, physical exertion, and a shortage of skilled workers contribute significantly to the elevated levels of absenteeism.
In 2024, employed individuals in Germany were absent for approximately 20 days, on average. The data for care workers across the nation showed an average of 28.5 days of absences. However, in Rhineland-Palatinate, care workers were away for an average of 29.8 days.
Jörg Simon, head of the TK Rhineland-Palatinate branch, explained that nearly six of the 30 absences were attributed to mental health issues. Diseases related to the musculoskeletal system accounted for around five absences.
TK emphasized the need for improved working conditions, encompassing professional development opportunities, allowing skilled nursing staff to assume certain medical responsibilities, and implementing various shift models to regulate work-life balance.
These improvements could make care professions more appealing to potential new workers or those returning to the field. TK also highlighted the significance of fostering occupational health management to support employees in maintaining their health while enduring the demanding nature of their jobs.
Enrichment DataThe increased absenteeism among care workers in Rhineland-Palatinate might be attributed to common workplace stressors prevalent in the sector across Germany. Factors such as heavy workload, poor working conditions, physical strain, lack of recognition, irregular scheduling, and insufficient compensation are believed to contribute to the trend.
Several potential solutions can help alleviate these issues, including better staffing levels, improved compensation and benefits, enhanced support systems, ergonomics and safety training, work-life balance initiatives, and increased recognition of care workers' roles. Adopting these measures is expected to create a more sustainable work environment for care workers, leading to reduced absenteeism due to illness.
- The community policy could emphasize the importance of vocational training for care workers, aiming to address the shortage of skilled workers and reduce mental strain in the sector.
- Vocational training programs focusing on workplace-wellness, mental health, and fitness-and-exercise could be implemented to prepare care workers for the demanding nature of their jobs.
- In light of the high absenteeism rates due to chronic diseases and medical-conditions, it is crucial to incorporate education-and-self-development focused on health-and-wellness into vocational training.
- Considering the prevalence of neurological-disorders and skin-care concerns among care workers, the vocational training curriculum could be updated to include courses addressing these specific issues.
- To address financial concerns, the community policy could support initiatives that provide better compensation and benefits to care workers, incentivizing them to remain in the field and reducing absenteeism.
- Diversity-and-inclusion efforts within the care sector could also be part of the vocational training, promoting a more inclusive workplace culture that encourages personal-growth and career-development.
- Businesses could partner with educational institutions to offer careers in care professions, providing opportunities for professional development and fostering growth in the sector.
- By implementing the outlined improvements in working conditions and vocational training, the care sector can not only attract new workers but also help existing ones achieve better work-life balance, promoting a healthier, more productive workforce.
