Europe is grappling with a mounting crisis as employee sick leave reaches unprecedented levels, costing the economy billions of dollars annually. Norway leads this concerning trend, with workplace absences hitting a 15-year high.
The root causes extend beyond simple illness. A combination of generous social benefits, an aging workforce, and increased awareness of mental health issues, particularly among younger generations, has contributed to this surge across the continent. In the United Kingdom alone, the number of economically inactive working-age individuals has grown by nearly 800,000 since early 2020, resulting in an annual economic impact of £33 billion.
Germany faces similar challenges, with employers spending a record €77 billion on sick pay last year – more than double the 2010 figures. According to OECD data, German workers average 17.7 sick days annually, while Norway tops the European chart with 27.5 days per worker.
The situation presents a complex challenge for policymakers. OECD research suggests that forcing people to work while sick could be more detrimental to productivity than allowing them to recover at home. France is taking steps to address this issue, with plans to contact long-term absentees and propose reforms to their sick leave system.
Perhaps most alarming is the OECD’s finding that workers who take sick leave for six months or longer are more likely to exit the workforce entirely than return to work. This statistic underscores the urgent need for balanced solutions that protect both worker well-being and economic stability.