Mann sitzt mit Tasse und Tablet in einem Raum.

Stress Report Germany 2025: Overcoming the crisis & promoting mindful prevention

By Fabian Hans

Germany is facing a profound, often silent crisis: the alarming increase in psychological stress and burnout (a state of deep emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to chronic overwork) in the workplace. This is not merely an individual problem, but a significant societal challenge to mental health , impacting personal well-being, economic stability, and social cohesion. The latest data for 2024/2025 underscore the urgency of the situation, but also point to clear pathways for effective burnout prevention and a healthier future.

The current reality: Statistics on work stress in Germany (2024/2025)

Current figures illustrate the extent of the psychological strain on German employees and the need to reduce stress :

  • Widespread exhaustion: A striking 44% of employees report feeling mentally exhausted or burned out by their work – clear symptoms of stress indicating massive overload (survey, Oct. 2024).
  • Record-high absenteeism: Mental health issues are now a major cause of work absences and result in the longest periods of absence. In 2024, they accounted for approximately 392 days of absence per 100 insured persons – a new record high (KKH Report 2025).
  • Escalation over a decade: The number of sick days caused by mental health problems has increased by 54% in the last ten years (DAK Report 2025), showing a rapidly worsening trend.
  • Significant economic costs: The annual economic damage caused by mental health-related work absences is estimated at over 10 billion euros (based on the share of mental health-related absences in the total costs of continued payment of wages), taking into account productivity losses and health costs (source: TK/AOK/IW/Destatis, 2024/2025).
  • High-risk sectors: Essential, stress-intensive occupational fields such as health and social services, childcare and elderly care have the highest rates of mentally induced absences ( DAK-Psychreport 2025 ).
  • Regional differences: A clear geographical pattern emerges. Federal states such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saarland, and Berlin have the highest rates of stress-related absenteeism, while Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria consistently have the lowest.
  • Gender differences: Women record 62% more sick days due to mental health reasons than men (DAK-Psychreport 2025), which is often explained by the "double burden" ( Doppelbelastung Frauen Stress ) due to work and disproportionate Care-Arbeit .

What is fueling the crisis? Factors influencing workplace stress in 2024/2025

The increasing stress results from a complex interplay of factors, often referred to as "polycrises":

  1. General economic and social anxieties ( Polykrisen ):
    • Persistent economic uncertainty: Ongoing concerns about inflation, energy costs and job security create a general mood of instability and Zukunftsangst ( Council of Economic Experts ).
    • Geopolitical instability: Global conflicts and tensions contribute to a diffuse unease.
    • Climate change concerns: The TK Health Report 2025 revealed that 60% of employees feel that climate change is already affecting their workplace and their health.
    • Political climate & uncertainty: Debates about key policies, concerns about government stability and discussions about austerity measures ( Stress durch politische Unsicherheit ) increase economic fears and affect the business climate.
  2. Increased pressure in the workplace:
    • High workload & time pressure ( Arbeitsverdichtung ): Ständige Erschöpfung am Arbeitsplatz often results from too many tasks, multitasking and unrealistic deadlines.
    • Low employee engagement: Only 15% of employees in Germany feel emotionally connected to their work (Gallup 2024). This lack of connection is a risk factor for stress and burnout.
    • Increase in "adjustment disorders": An increase in these diagnoses (reactions to severe stress) indicates difficulties in dealing with rapid changes ( DAK-Psychreport 2025 ).
  3. The influence of artificial intelligence (AI):
    • Angst vor Arbeitsplatzverlust KI : Concerns about the future through automation are a significant stress factor ( Deloitte Survey 2025 ).
    • Increased pace & workload: AI can speed up work, which often leads to expectations of higher performance.
    • Pressure for further training ( Qualifikationsdruck ): The need to constantly acquire new AI skills increases cognitive load.
    • Concerns about surveillance: The fear of algorithmic management increases the pressure.

Future prospects: The consequences of chronic stress due to inactivity

The current data is a warning sign. If trends like ständige Erschöpfung am Arbeitsplatz are ignored, serious long-term consequences and Folgen von Dauerstress are likely.

  • Worsening skills shortage: Burnout accelerates turnover and early retirement.
  • Economic stagnation and rising costs: Lower productivity, higher burdens on the healthcare system, and loss of innovation.
  • Decline in public health: An increase in chronic mental and physical illnesses impairs the overall Lebensqualität .
  • Declining employer attractiveness: Companies with high stress levels will have difficulty attracting talent that values Work-Life-Balance .
  • Lower societal resilience: A chronically stressed population is less resilient.

The way forward: Prevention & solutions for stress management

Overcoming this crisis requires a concerted approach to greater well-being and inner peace .

Arbeitgeberverantwortung responsibility

  • Conduct a psychological risk assessment: Legally required (§5 ArbSchG) and a key instrument for systematically identifying psychological stress, assessing risks and deriving preventive measures.
  • Implement comprehensive workplace health management (WHM): Offer BGM Maßnahmen psychische Gesundheit such as stress management, training for Gesund Führen (a leadership style that actively promotes and considers the health of employees), flexible working models and clear communication.
  • Address workload: Set realistic goals and ensure sufficient personnel resources.
  • Designing AI integration thoughtfully: Promoting transparency, further education and ethical guidelines.
  • Promote a supportive culture: Enable open dialogue about mental health and recognize achievements.

Strategies for employees ( Strategien für Arbeitnehmer )

  • Set boundaries: Consciously switch off (digital detox) and reduce digital accessibility to ensure recovery phases.
  • Practice self Self-Care : Integrate regular breaks, mindfulness exercises, exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet.
    • Mindfulness & Breathing: Short breaks for einfache Achtsamkeitsübungen für den Alltag (e.g. consciously perceiving the environment with all senses, a short body scan) or simple breathing exercises can make a big difference.
  • Utilize resources: Participate in workplace health management programs and seek professional help (doctor, therapist, Employee Assistance Program - EAP) if needed.

The role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as relaxation techniques

CAM offers valuable tools for stress management :

  • Mind-body method:
    • Yoga & Meditation: Proven methods, often subsidized as Präventionskurse by health insurance companies according to §20 SGB V (quality-tested courses for health promotion).
    • Autogenic training & progressive muscle relaxation: Established relaxation techniques , often subsidized by health insurance companies ( Progressive Muskelentspannung Anleitung , Autogenes Training lernen ).
    • Breathing exercises ( Atemtechniken ): Atemübungen gegen Stress und Angst offer immediate calming (e.g., Box Breathing , 4-7-8 Atemtechnik Anleitung ).
  • Natural approaches:
    • Herbal remedies: Natürliche Mittel gegen Stress such as valerian or lavender are popular (note that they are only available in pharmacies, seek advice).
    • Aromatherapy inhalation: The use of essential oils via diffusers or personal inhalers ( Aromatherapie Inhalator gegen Stress ) promotes subjective relaxation – even on the go. Lavendelöl zur Beruhigung .
      • Cost coverage: Essential oils and accessories are generally not reimbursed by statutory health insurance companies.

What ÆR stands for: A plea for mindful well-being

In light of increasing stress, ÆR ( aerofficial.com ) believes that proactive well-being is crucial. We strive for a world where people are empowered to reclaim moments of calm, clarity, and conscious presence in their hectic daily lives. Our mission is based on:

  • The power of breath: We promote conscious breathing ( bewusste Atmung ) as an accessible tool for immediate stress regulation.
  • Mindful rituals: We encourage small, conscious moments of self-care to strengthen resilience.
  • Accessible well-being: We develop high-quality, design-oriented Achtsamkeits Tools and Design Wellness Produkte that make mindfulness and Atemarbeit attractive and easy.
  • Prevention: We emphasize daily habits that help reduce stress and prevent it from escalating into burnout.

ÆR aims to be a partner for well-being and to offer resources and tools to face the stresses of the modern world with more serenity and presence – suitable Geschenke für gestresste Menschen .

Conclusion: A shared responsibility for mental health

The challenge posed by workplace stress in Germany is significant, but solvable. By acknowledging the data, understanding the causes, and implementing comprehensive prevention strategies ( Burnout Prävention ) – from organizational changes to individual self-care measures such as Atemtechniken and mindfulness – Germany can create a healthier, more engaged, and more resilient working environment. Proactive action for mental health is an economic and social necessity.

Sources (selection with links):

(Note: Direct links to specific PDF reports may change annually, but these main pages should provide access to the latest publications.)

Back to blog

Leave a comment

The author

Fabian Hans: With his background in psychology and marketing strategy, he writes to show how our environment influences our thoughts. This blog aims to help people think more clearly and act more consciously.

ÆR Content Guidelines

Related to the topic:

View all
1 3
View all