Employees Within Starnberg Rank Among the Healthiest in the Region - Healthiest Workforce Found in Starnberg
In a recent analysis, the Bavarian district of Starnberg emerged as the healthiest and most productive region in Germany, with employees taking an average of 14.6 sick days per year. This is significantly lower than the national average of 22.3 days, according to data from the Institute for Economic Research (IW) in Cologne.
The BKK statistics, based on the evaluation of data from over one million employees in Bavaria, revealed a clear north-south gradient in "sickness burden" across the region. Upper and Lower Franconia had the highest values, with 23 and 22.7 sick days, respectively, while Swabia overtook Middle Franconia with 22.3 days. However, the Salzlandkreis in Saxony-Anhalt held the unfortunate distinction of having the longest sick leave, with an average of 32.5 days.
The reasons behind Starnberg's exceptional status remain multifaceted. High-quality healthcare, a supportive environment with opportunities for outdoor activities, a strong local economy with innovative companies, and a culture that values work-life balance are believed to be key contributors.
Starnberg's location near Munich in Bavaria, a region renowned for excellent healthcare, political stability, environmental quality, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, is one factor that promotes good physical and mental health among residents and employees. The region’s healthcare system is efficient and highly accessible, contributing to preventive care and management of illnesses before causing long sick leaves.
The thriving biotechnology sector and owner-managed, medium-sized companies like ADMETOS headquartered in Starnberg often emphasize employee well-being and have the resources to implement health-promoting programs. The Bavarian lifestyle also supports a balanced approach to work and leisure, which is critical in reducing stress and related illnesses.
It is worth noting that Starnberg is not only the healthiest but also the wealthiest district in Germany, with an estimated purchasing power of 35,392 euros per inhabitant. The district of Coburg and the city of Hof have 26.2 and 26.8 sick days, respectively. Interestingly, Starnberg's employees are also the oldest, with an average age of 45 years.
However, the BKK state association did not comment on the causes of the large regional differences. The Upper Franconian district of Kronach has the second-fewest sick days in Bavaria, with 27.3 days, and Upper Bavaria has the fewest, with just under 17.4 calendar days.
The most common reason for sick leave in Bavaria is colds and other respiratory infections, making up 37.2% of all sick leave notifications. Despite the lack of specific data, these factors form a strong basis for understanding the district's reputation for healthy employees and low absenteeism.
In summary, Starnberg’s reputation for the healthiest employees with fewest sick days stems from a combination of high-quality healthcare, a supportive environment with opportunities for outdoor activities, a strong local economy with innovative companies, and a culture that values work-life balance. These elements together create conditions for better employee health and fewer absences from work.
Vocational training programs could be implemented in EC countries to encourage a more productive workforce, potentially reducing sick days and improving workplace-wellness. As seen in Starnberg, a region with a strong local economy and ventures like ADMETOS prioritizing employee health, a focus on health-and-wellness initiatives may lead to more engaged employees with lower sick leave. Adopting a balanced approach to nutrition and maintaining a healthy-diet could also contribute to these positive outcomes, further promoting health-and-wellness in the workplace.
