Sick notes in Germany: Tips for avoiding days off work

Right now, it feels like more colleagues are missing from your desk, and the latest reports on sick leave in the first quarter of 2024 confirm that appearances are not deceptive.

The significance of the increased sickness absence in Germany

The latest analyses show that despite a slight decrease in the average duration of sick leave from 9.6 to 9.3 days, the total number of sick days has increased slightly. These data are alarming, especially because the average has been at an all-time high since the coronavirus pandemic. Despite a slight decrease in duration, the overall burden is stable to increasing, and this shows the urgency of taking measures to improve health. In the period from January to March, 38 percent of all employees were on sick leave at least once. What is particularly worrying is that this figure was 59% for people under 20 years of age. Overall, employers were consistently absent around 6% of employees due to illness.

Reasons for the high failure rates

According to DAK Gesundheit, the main causes of sick leave are respiratory diseases in particular, but also mental illnesses and physical complaints such as back pain. This data is based on the analysis of sick notes from 2.2 million insured people. Andreas Storm, the head of the health insurance company, emphasizes that despite the record figures in 2022 and 2023, the high rates of absence among employees have even become more entrenched in the first quarter of 2024.

Impact on society

The increased sick leave not only puts a strain on those affected, but also has far-reaching effects on companies and society as a whole. Sickness-related absences lead to productivity losses , increased work pressure on the remaining employees and additional costs for companies. In addition, high levels of sick leave put a strain on the healthcare system, even if the exceptional situation as in the last pandemic episode will fortunately not occur again any time soon.

Health prevention as a solution

In order to counteract this emerging trend, preventive measures should be recommended and taken by employees to promote their own health and strengthen their immune systems in the long term. Despite the variety of the most common illnesses that lead to sick leave, there is a measure that can provide relief for both psychological and physical complaints. Back pain, stress and respiratory diseases can possibly be reduced with relatively simple tips.

Health prevention through rest and relaxation

Holidays by the sea: a natural therapy

A proven method for strengthening the immune system is prevention through rest and relaxation. A vacation by the sea not only offers a welcome break from stressful everyday life, but can also have a positive effect on your health. The sea climate is known for its cleansing effect on the respiratory tract and can help to strengthen the body's defenses. The fresh air and salty water can help to cleanse the respiratory tract and improve lung function.

Local alternatives: salt caves and graduation towers

For those who do not have the opportunity to travel far or take several days off, there are local alternatives. Salt caves and graduation towers, for example, are available in many regions of Germany and offer similar health benefits to the sea. Inhaling salty air can cleanse the respiratory tract, which helps prevent respiratory diseases. If you are not familiar with salt caves or graduation towers, here are a few facts:

How often should you go to a salt cave?

Regular visits to a salt cave can provide more long-term support for the respiratory system. It is recommended to have a session once or twice a week to achieve long-term health benefits. A session in the salt cave lasts 45 minutes for most providers.

For which illnesses is a salt cave particularly good?

Salt caves can provide relief from various respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. They can also be helpful for skin problems such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis due to the antibacterial effect of the salt.

What does salt do to the lungs?

Inhaling salty air can help loosen mucus in the airways, clearing the airways. The salt stimulates blood flow to the mucous membranes, which can help relieve symptoms. Regular exposure to salty air can also help prevent respiratory diseases and improve healthy lung function.

Are salt cave and graduation tower the same thing?

Salt caves and graduation towers are not the same, but both offer the benefit of mineralized air. A salt cave is an enclosed space lined with salt that provides a high concentration of saline air. A graduation tower, on the other hand, is a freestanding wooden structure over which saline water trickles, creating a saline, humid microclimate all around.

The role of mini-saltworks such as SalinoVatis

An innovative way to enjoy the benefits of a graduation tower not only outdoors but also in your own home is to use mini salt pans such as SalinoVatis . These compact devices also create a saline atmosphere that supports the respiratory system and can contribute to respiratory health. Regular use can improve the function of the respiratory system and strengthen the immune system. The main advantage is that regular use is very easy to establish. Thanks to its compact size, a mini salt pan can be placed anywhere and can quietly contribute to well-being during everyday activities.

Mindfulness as the key to health prevention

Another important component of health prevention is mindfulness in dealing with one's own health. More mindfulness in everyday life can help reduce stress, which in turn can reduce the risk of infections, burnout and other health problems. Concentrating on your body and its needs is generally seen as beneficial to health. Typical methods include meditation, yoga or tai chi . Physical exercise naturally also helps prevent incorrect strain from sitting for too long. A mini saltworks can also be used to increase mindfulness. The calming dripping of salt water over the saltworks can, for example, contribute to more relaxed sleep and thus also reduce stress.

Conclusion: Health as a holistic approach

Overall, strengthening the immune system and preventing disease is a holistic process that requires a combination of relaxation, rest and mindfulness. By integrating measures such as seaside holidays , visiting salt caves and using mini salt pans, we can help maintain our health and strengthen our immune system. It is important to integrate these preventive measures into everyday life in order to reap the long-term health benefits.