France workplace absenteeism reaches historic high of 4.68% in 2025

Workplace absenteeism in France reached a historic high of 4.68% in 2025, according to the 5th edition of the Observatory of Sick Leave published by Groupe APICIL and JLO. This figure surpasses the previous record of 4.61% set in 2022.

The increase is driven by two primary trends: a rise in long-term absences and a significant surge in micro-absenteeism. Absences lasting more than 90 days now account for over half of the total absenteeism rate. Meanwhile, micro-absenteeism—defined as sick leave of less than three days—now represents nearly one in four absences, a figure that has grown by more than 70% since 2022.

Illness remains the leading cause of absence, accounting for 90.03% of cases. Specifically, among absences lasting more than 30 days, 42.75% are linked to psychological disorders and 30.54% to musculoskeletal disorders. The data shows that blue-collar workers (6.52%), seniors (5.92%), and women (5.60%) experience higher rates of absenteeism compared to other demographics. The healthcare sector remains the most impacted industry at 7.22%.