Valencian Economy Suffers a 40% Increase in Absenteeism Over Five Years, Resulting in 7.1 Billion Euros in Costs

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september 12,2025

Spain Grapples with Soaring absenteeism Rates,Economic Impact Mounts

madrid,Spain – A new report indicates that absenteeism across Spain is reaching critical levels,with the Valencia region experiencing a particularly sharp increase. The growing trend of employees taking time off due to temporary disability is placing a significant strain on the nation’s economy and healthcare systems.

Valencia region Faces Steep Rise in Absenteeism

According to a study conducted by the valencian Institute for Economic Research (IVIE) and the Umivale mutual, absenteeism has surged by 40% in the Valencia region over the past five years. This increase has translated into an estimated economic cost of 7.1 billion euros in 2023 alone, representing 5.1% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product.

In 2023, lost workdays due to temporary disability constituted 5.3% of all annual workdays in the Valencia region, a notable increase from the 3.8% recorded in 2018.While still slightly below the national average of 5.6%, the trend is causing considerable concern among business leaders.

National Trends and Sectoral Disparities

The report reveals a national increase in long-term sick leave. The number of ongoing long-term disability cases has more than doubled in the Valencia Community,increasing 2.2 times since 2018, reaching 15,800 cases in 2023. Castellón province exhibits the highest prevalence of these long-term cases, with 10.8 processes per 1,000 workers.

Recurring absenteeism is a major driver of the overall increase. Nearly 47% of workers currently on sick leave have a history of multiple absences within a 12-month period.These repeat absences account for 12.9% of the insured population and represent 72% of the growth in absenteeism over the last six years.

Certain sectors are more affected than others. The commerce sector in Valencia and Castellón has absenteeism rates above the national average (5.39% and 5.68%, respectively). While agriculture generally sees lower rates nationwide (3.78%), the Valencian provinces show elevated figures, with 6.43% in Castellón, 5.85% in Valencia, and 5.48% in Alicante.

Underlying causes and System Strain

The study points to conditions difficult to objectively diagnose, such as musculoskeletal pain (lumbago, cervicalgia, dorsalgia) and mental health concerns, as contributing to more than half of all absenteeism related to temporary disability. These two categories collectively account for 52.7% of all sick leave cases.

Joaquín Pérez, President of CEV Alicante, highlighted that work absenteeism is now a critical challenge for companies, workers, and administrators. He stressed that this phenomenon impacts productivity, company competitiveness, increases social security expenses, and puts pressure on the healthcare system.

Province	Absenteeism Rate (2018)	Absenteeism Rate (2023)	Increase
Valencia	3.8%	5.5%	44.7%
Castellón	3.8%	5.4%	42.1%
Alicante	3.8%	5.0%	31.6%

Did You No? Prolonged sick leave not only impacts economic output but can also have a detrimental effect on employee morale and career progression.

Pro Tip: Employers should proactively invest in employee wellbeing programs and flexible work arrangements to mitigate absenteeism and boost workforce resilience.

The Broader Context of European Absenteeism

rising absenteeism is not unique to Spain.Across Europe,employers are grappling with increasing rates of sick leave,often linked to factors like an aging workforce,increased stress levels,and evolving societal attitudes towards work-life balance. According to Eurostat data from late 2023, several Northern European countries reported significant increases in long-term sick leave, particularly related to mental health conditions.Eurostat provides extensive data on European labour market trends.

Addressing absenteeism requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, employer initiatives, and individual duty. Investing in preventative healthcare, promoting mental wellbeing, and fostering a supportive work habitat are key strategies for curbing this growing problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Absenteeism

• What is considered absenteeism? Absenteeism refers to instances when employees are unexpectedly absent from work,often due to illness,injury,or personal reasons.
• How does absenteeism impact businesses? Absenteeism leads to decreased productivity,increased costs for temporary replacements,and potential disruption of business operations.
• What are common causes of absenteeism? Common causes include illness, stress, musculoskeletal problems, mental health issues, and work-life imbalances.
• Can employers take steps to reduce absenteeism? Yes, employers can implement wellbeing programs, offer flexible work arrangements, and promote a supportive work environment.
• Is there a link between absenteeism and economic conditions? Research suggests that economic downturns can sometiems lead to increased absenteeism rates due to stress and job insecurity.
• What role does the healthcare system play in addressing absenteeism? The healthcare system is crucial for providing timely and effective medical care to address the underlying causes of absenteeism.
• How does long-term sick leave differ from short-term absenteeism? Long-term sick leave involves extended periods of absence, often due to chronic illnesses or serious injuries, while short-term absenteeism typically refers to brief, occasional absences.

What are yoru thoughts on the increasing absenteeism rates in Spain? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!