Spain confronts rising absenteeism and longer sick leaves amid talent shortage and AI challenges

The report presented by Foment del Treball and the SBEES emphasised that work remains a source of dignity and social cohesion in Spain, while identifying key labour market challenges. It highlighted a sharp increase in absenteeism, now affecting about 1.4 million of the 18 million workers, and warned that this hurts productivity and business organisation. The study also flagged difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, an ageing active population, stagnant productivity, the need to adapt to artificial intelligence, pension sustainability and the contribution of immigration to recent job creation.

The CEOE echoed concerns about absenteeism and called for more dual‑training programmes and greater female participation in STEM fields. A separate analysis argued that rising temporary disability claims are a symptom of deeper issues, noting that the duration of sick leaves has grown by 35‑50 % and now averages 46 days for younger workers and over 79 days for those aged 55‑65. Factors such as demographic ageing, mental‑health pressures, and insufficient workplace prevention were cited, with recommendations for better job design, risk reduction, and flexible retirement pathways.

Both pieces stress the need for coordinated action among employers, the public system and workers to improve health, productivity and social protection in Spain’s labour market.