Psychological Stress at Work: The 2026 Overview
Mental health conditions have for years been among the most common causes of sick leave and early retirement in Germany. Current data from the major health insurance reports 2024 and the BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey 2024 shows: the situation has not improved – in many areas it has worsened.
For employers, these figures are directly relevant: §5(3)(6) ArbSchG requires them to identify and assess psychological stress factors. The legal obligation is no formality – it responds to a real epidemiological trend.
Sick Days Due to Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions account for 11.4% of all sick days in Germany, with an average absence duration of 39.2 days per case – the highest of all diagnostic groups. Since 2013, sick days due to mental health conditions have increased by 34%.
Economic Costs: EUR 56 Billion Per Year
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) calculates annual production losses due to mental health conditions at EUR 56 billion. Early retirement due to mental health conditions accounts for 43% of all new pensions (German Pension Insurance 2023).
Key Stress Factors (BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey 2024)
62% of employees report high time pressure, 58% frequent interruptions, 44% on-call availability, and 41% work-life balance problems – all figures trending upward since 2018.
Compliance Gap: Only 1 in 3 Employers Has Conducted a Psychological Risk Assessment
Despite the legal obligation since 2013, only 30–35% of companies have conducted a psychological risk assessment. From 2026, a minimum inspection quota of 5% applies under §21 ArbSchG, with fines up to EUR 30,000 per violation.
