Krankheit: Unternehmen zahlen Rekordsumme für kranke Beschäftigte

Deutsche Unternehmen spent a record amount on employee healthcare in 2025, with costs reaching 85.6 billion euros, according to a study by the German employer association's economic institute (IW). This marks a more than doubling of nominal costs over the past 15 years, with 81.2 billion euros spent in 2024. The total sum includes gross wages reported by the federal employment ministry and employer contributions to social insurance, which amounted to 13.1 billion euros.

The institute attributes the increase to higher wages, rising employment, and increased sick leave. The rise in sick leave since the introduction of electronic reporting in 2022 has also contributed to higher expenses. However, it is unclear if actual business absences have increased as well. While the level is higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute remains cautious about a new legal obligation requiring employers to report the first day of sickness.

The institute doubts that widespread adoption would be feasible due to additional administrative burdens and potential strains on the relationship between employees and employers.