According to the latest annual study by the association of workplace accident insurance companies, the final four months of the year recorded 2,217,730 temporary disability cases initiated, representing 35% of the annual total. The three months with the highest volume were January (11.42%), December (9.45%) and October (9.09%), together accounting for nearly 30% of all absences for the year.
The weekly distribution shows an even more pronounced concentration. Mondays register 26.65% of temporary disability absences, followed by Tuesdays with 19.56%. The first two working days of the week together account for 46% of all absences, whilst the weekend represents only 6.07%.
Detailed studies reveal that 25% of people who take sick leave account for more than half of all cases, whilst 50% of people concentrate 77% of the episodes. The three months with the lowest volume of absences were August (5.78%), April (7.07%) and July (7.52%), together representing 20.37% of the annual total.
The phenomenon generates an annual economic impact of €33 billion between benefits and direct costs for employers. Of this total, more than €16.1 billion are assumed directly by companies through Social Security contributions, salary supplements agreed in collective agreements and direct provision in the first days of absence.
The employers' association has urged the Government to take measures against the impact of absenteeism on business economy and productivity. Among the proposals is a review of salary supplements during temporary disability, present in 65% of company agreements and 50% of sectoral agreements, as part of future collective bargaining negotiations.
