Workforce in Saarbrücken's regional association boasts the best health status amongst Saarland's employees?
Saarbrücken, 22nd September 2023: A commendable health report emerges from the Saarbrücken regional association, boasting the lowest sickness rate in all of Saarland for the year 2022, with an impressive 6.7% figure. This is significantly below the Saarland average of 7.1%.
Adrian Zöhler, the managing director of BARMER in Saarbrücken, commented, "In our region, only 67 out of every 1,000 employees missed work daily." The regional association also holds the lowest number of sick days due to musculoskeletal issues and physical injuries across the state.
However, a particular focus is on mental illnesses. In this regard, Saarbrücken ranks 16th among all German districts and independent cities, with an average of 5.4 sick days per employee. Zöhler underscores the need to address the rise in mental illnesses, particularly depression.
Post-COVID-19 pandemic and social contact restrictions, many regions observed an increase in respiratory infections. Zöhler correlates this trend with the absence of the flu and cold wave in 2021 and the subsequent normalization of social interactions.
Another concern, according to Zoëhler, is the increasing incidence of depressive episodes in workplaces. He identifies a lack of team cohesion as one of the factors, underscoring the importance of occupational health management to prevent mental illnesses.
The results of the BARMER study underscore that despite the low overall sickness rate, mental illnesses require attention in the Saarbrücken regional association. Preventive measures and increased health promotion are key to curbing further growth in these illnesses.
While specific data on depression cases in Saarbrücken workplaces is lacking, common contributors to workplace depression include work-related stress, social isolation, lack of support, and work-life balance issues. Addressing these factors can help combat mental health issues in the workplace. Initiatives like Helpcity in Germany focus on countering social isolation and strengthening mental health by providing support platforms.
The UniGR-Center for Border Studies at Saarland University conducts research on societal developments, which may encompass aspects related to workplace well-being and mental health in the broader region. For detailed data on depression cases in Saarbrücken, consulting local health statistics or research studies specific to this area would be beneficial.
- The UniGR-Center for Border Studies at Saarland University, with a focus on societal developments, is conducting research that may provide insights into workplace wellness and mental health within the Saarbrücken region.
- Adrian Zöhler, managing director of BARMER in Saarbrücken, highlights the importance of workplace wellness and mental health, recognizing the need for preventive measures and health promotion initiatives to address rising mental health issues, including depression, among employees in the Saarbrücken regional association.
