OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the working population. However, there are limited studies assessing the impact of COVID-19 on work absenteeism. This study described work absenteeism and associated costs due to COVID-19, in Germany.

METHODS: A population-based retrospective analysis using the German SHI claims database, identifying adult patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis in the outpatient setting from April 2020 to December 2021. COVID-19 related work absenteeism and costs were assessed per COVID-19 diagnosis quarter in those of working age (<65 years); costs were calculated using the average salary for the German population. Findings were reported overall and stratified by age and risk of severe COVID-19 (Robert Koch Institute definition).

RESULTS: We identified 504,044 adult (≥18 years) patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis code; 85.8% were of working age (<65 years), of whom 85.4% were in paid employment. Among the employed working age patients (n=369,220), 7.6% (n=28,089) had ≥1 day-off work, 5.2% had >5 days-off and 2.3% had >14 days-off per COVID-19 diagnosis quarter. Long-term work absenteeism (>42 consecutive days-off) was observed in 0.1% (n=446) of patients. The overall median [Q1, Q3] days-off due to COVID-19 was 10 days [5, 15]. When stratified, older workers (50-64 years: 12 days [5, 17]; 18-49 years: 9 days [5, 15]) and those at risk of severe COVID-19 (high risk: 10 days [5, 15]; non-high risk: 9 days [5, 14]) had on average more time-off due to COVID-19, per quarter. Similar patterns were observed when assessing those with >14 days-off and those with long-term work absenteeism. Costs related to lost productivity will be presented at the time of conference.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is associated with a substantial impact on the working population, largely driven by workers aged 50-64 years and those at high-risk of severe COVID-19.