Sick leave trends shift in Finland as economic conditions change

In challenging economic times, the number of sick days decreases, a trend explained by Annina Ropponen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. “In poor economic conditions, unemployment rises, leading to fewer sick leaves. Conversely, when the economy improves and employment rate rises, sick leave tends to increase. A healthy job market attracts more workers, including some who may struggle with their work capacity. Additionally, in a favorable job market, healthier individuals may feel more comfortable taking time off,” Ropponen noted.

However, there is an exception. Ropponen pointed out that sick leaves related to mental health have risen in recent years, irrespective of the economic climate. “There is more pressure on mental health, and simultaneously, taking time off for mental health reasons has become more accepted.”

Statistics show a rise in sick leaves due to mental health issues. Ropponen explained that chronic conditions also contribute to these figures, as individuals undergoing treatments, such as for cancer, may be unable to work.

According to Jenni Ervasti, a leading researcher at the Institute, remote work has influenced sick leave patterns, particularly in public sectors. In roles that allowed remote work during the pandemic, the number of sick days did not return to previous levels. In 2021, sick leaves increased in the healthcare sector but decreased in expert professions.

On average, Finns take about 11 sick days annually. Comparing statistics from 2019 to 2021 reveals a significant change: the proportion of workers who had no sick leave days rose from 23.5% to 29.4%. These insights highlight the fluctuations in sick leave rates across various professions, illustrating the evolving nature of work and health in Finland.