Austria reports record low average sick leave duration

Data from Statistik Austria for 2025 shows that the average duration of a single sick leave in Austria has dropped to a historic low of 9.1 days. This is a significant decrease from 1965, when the average duration was 18.6 days.

Despite the shorter duration per instance, the total number of sick days per employee remains at 14.7 days for 2025, down slightly from 15.1 days in 2024. While the average duration has been on a downward trend since 2015, there was a temporary increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, with averages reaching 11.7 days in 2020.

Labor organizations have reacted with caution. The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) noted the decline but warned of a ‘deceptive relaxation,’ suggesting that polarization between short and long-term illnesses requires better prevention. The Chamber of Labour (AK) highlighted concerns regarding employees working while ill due to work pressure and staff shortages. Conversely, the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) emphasized the economic burden on companies, noting that each lost workday costs businesses at least 300 euros, and called for stricter controls.