COVID-19-related work absenteeism and associated lost productivity cost in Germany: a population-based study

Objective The aim of the study is to estimate COVID-19 absenteeism and indirect costs, by care setting. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort study using data from the German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) database to define outpatient (April 2020–December 2021) and hospitalized (April 2020–October 2022) cohorts of employed working-aged individuals. Results In the outpatient cohort ( N = 369,220), median absenteeism duration and associated cost was 10.0 (Q1, Q3: 5.0, 15.0) days and €1061 (530, 1591), respectively. In the hospitalized cohort ( n = 20,687), median absenteeism and associated cost was 15.0 (7.0, 32.0) days and €1591 (743, 3394), respectively. Stratified analyses showed greater absenteeism in older workers, those at risk, and those with severe disease. Conclusions The hospitalized cohort had longer absenteeism resulting in higher productivity loss. Being older, at risk of severe COVID-19 and higher disease severity during hospitalization were important drivers of higher absenteeism duration.