[ART.]Why are employees missing work: Main causes of the increase in absenteeism?

According to EL PAÍS, in 2023, sick leave in Spain reached maximum levels not seen in more than 15 years, with an average prevalence of 47.3 sick leaves per 1,000 employees. This phenomenon, which has generated concern among both companies and trade unions, as it has profound implications for the country’s economy and labour market.

Factors explaining the increase in sickness absence from work

Spain leads the EU in the increase in sick leave in the European Union with a record of more than 450 sick leaves due to temporary incapacity per 1,000 workers across the country last year, a figure that represents the highest incidence since 2013. Several factors have combined to trigger this significant increase in sick leave:

Ageing workforce: Spain’s workforce is ageing, resulting in an increase in chronic illnesses and health problems that require recovery time. Older workers are more likely to need medical leave, either because of longer-term ailments or the need to recover from more invasive medical procedures.
Worsening waiting lists: The Spanish healthcare system faces growing challenges, including increasing waiting lists for surgery and specialised treatments. This situation prolongs recovery times and, consequently, sick leave. Workers who have to wait longer for treatment tend to be off work longer.
Labour market strength: Paradoxically, a strong labour market can contribute to increased sick leave. In an environment where demand for workers is high, employees may feel less pressure to work while ill, knowing that their position is relatively secure. In addition, companies, in their efforts to retain talent in a competitive market, may be more flexible in granting sick leave.

The business perspective: costs and competitiveness

Absenteeism can result in companies having less financial leeway to raise wages or improve working conditions for their employees. As absenteeism increases, companies’ revenues are compromised, reducing their ability to implement more generous wage policies or invest in additional benefits for their employees. In this regard, it is vital that both employees and unions understand that sick leave not only has a short-term impact, but also affects the ability of companies to remain competitive and sustainable in a challenging economic environment.

At Headway Executive Search we believe it is essential that public administration takes action to address this situation. Policies that promote health and wellbeing in the workplace, together with improvements in the healthcare system, would help to reduce sickness absence. Companies, especially SMEs, should have more support from the administration and social security, as the cost and effort is enormous, and rarely, if ever, is it reflected in a crutch that helps companies in need to walk. In this way, companies could better manage their resources, minimise costs and ensure their long-term sustainability.