The Strain on Care Workers Leads to High Absence Rates Compared to Other Professions
Healthcare Workers More Prone to Illness Than Staff in Other Industries - Healthcare Professionals, Specifically Nurses, Experience Higher Illness Rates Compared to Other Job Fields
Listen up! The life of a care worker ain't a walk in the park, and new findings by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern prove it. According to these findings, the average care worker in this region was out sick for an astounding 32.6 days last year. That's a far cry from the national average of 28.5 days and significantly above the overall average of 24.6 days across all professions.
"We've got a damn problem on our hands," says TK regional director Manon Austenat-Wied, "and it's costing the care sector dearly." She's right, y'all. Care workers are the unsung heroes, taking care of our elderly and frail, and giving their all, sometimes even at the expense of their own health.
Now, let's talk about creating a healthier work environment for these heroes. Austenat-Wied calls on care providers to step up and provide a healthier, more supportive work environment. If they want to keep the care sector thriving, they better make it attractive for these hardworking individuals. "Care workers are priceless and indispensable," she stresses, "especially in our aging society."
So, what did TK do to come to these mind-blowing conclusions? They took a peek at the health records of around 103,000 care workers in the region, out of a total 224,000 insured members. As one of the largest health insurance providers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, TK has got their eyes on the prize.
Shortage of care workers already seems like a thing of the past, with around 21,000 care workers employed in more than 1,000 long-term care facilities and services in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. But here's the kicker: over 120,000 people need care, and things are only getting worse.
Luckily, the country has stepped in with the "Pact for Care" initiative, launched in autumn 2023, aiming to keep specialists in the sector and ensure care services, even in remote areas. The absence of these care workers has forced some facilities to shut their doors in the past.
Now, let's consider why care workers might be struggling so much. It ain't rocket science. Care work is physically demanding, emotionally stressful, and exposes workers to contagious diseases. Add to that staffing shortages, work-life imbalance, and potential health problems from stress and burnout, and you've got a recipe for disaster.
So, next time you see a care worker, give them a pat on the back, or if you're feeling fancy, a high-five. Remember, they're doing a hell of a job for us, and it's about time we show them some love.
To alleviate the high sick-leave rates in the care sector, it's crucial for care providers to implement healthier and more supportive workplace-wellness policies, including mental-health support, nutrition programs, and vocational training to improve work-life balance. Furthermore, including science-based health-and-wellness education in vocational training can empower care workers with the knowledge and skills to prioritize their well-being, ultimately contributing to a healthier community as a whole.
