Only Half of German Workers Think They Can Hold Their Job Until Retirement

Workplace health programs boost German retirement prospects, yet new tax rules for corporate fitness and rising absenteeism pose challenges for employers.

Only 53 percent of German employees believe they will be able to stay in their current job until they reach retirement age, according to the DGB "Good Work" index. The figure varies sharply depending on industry and the availability of employer-provided health-promotion programs.

The gap is most pronounced in the care sector. Among nursing staff whose employers run solid workplace health-management schemes, 69 percent expect to make it to retirement. Where such offerings are absent, the share falls to just 46 percent. Involving workers in strategy design and offering targeted training sends a positive signal and boosts commitment, the survey found.

Advertisement

Good workplace health management starts with solid documentation. A free Health & Safety Toolkit gives you ready-to-use risk assessments and checklists that align with UK regulations – helping you protect your workforce and stay compliant. Thousands of companies already use it. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit

From Sleep Coaching to Virtual-Reality Ergonomics

Some employers are trying low-threshold approaches for hard-to-reach groups. At Aumovio, a Frankfurt-based company with around 220 employees working three shifts, the firm introduced 20-minute workplace sessions on sleep quality, mental strain and recovery. Take-up was high.

The public sector is also investing in modern concepts. The state capital of Düsseldorf won an award for its approach. It now has 300 trained psychological first-aiders, AI-driven ergonomics coaches and virtual-reality offerings — all aimed at using technology to improve prevention and mental health.

Measurable Improvements — but a New Tax Hurdle

An evaluation by the BQS Institute for the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds found lasting results. Among participants, 20.1 percent reported sustained improvement in musculoskeletal complaints, and 13.9 percent said their overall health had gotten better.

Chronotype also matters. Only 20 percent of people are natural early risers. Working against one’s internal clock risks "social jetlag," which raises the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. Experts recommend flexible hours to boost creativity and decision-making.

At the same time, companies face a new regulatory hurdle when paying for health measures. The Bavarian State Tax Office has clarified the conditions for tax exemption under Section 3 No. 34 of the German Income Tax Act. For corporate fitness programs and prevention courses, a personalized attendance certificate is now mandatory. General tax-exemption rulings issued in the past are to be revoked. Courses run in-house that lack certification remain tax-free, but only if employers keep complete records of delivery and participation.

Advertisement

Even when employees show up for work despite illness, underlying health risks remain. Identifying and documenting those risks is a legal duty – and a key part of protecting your team. A free Risk Assessment Toolkit provides 41 templates and checklists to help you manage workplace hazards properly. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit

The Cost of Absenteeism — and the Risk of Presenteeism

The urgency is clear from sickness data. Short absences of up to seven days account for 70.8 percent of all sickness cases. Yet the small number of long-term cases lasting longer than six weeks — just 3.3 percent of total cases — cause almost 40 percent of all lost working days.

Politicians are debating whether to require a doctor’s note from the first day of illness. Experts warn that such a rule could fuel presenteeism: workers showing up sick, which often leads to more severe long-term health damage. Health insurers including Novitas-BKK and mhplus support firms with digital platforms and leadership programs to help managers handle mental strain more professionally.