Spain faces record labor absenteeism with over 1.2 million active cases

Spain’s latest labour‑market data show that more than 1.24 million temporary‑disability processes were active at the end of 2025, equating to an absenteeism rate of 5.51 % and 40.89 cases per thousand workers. The majority of these absences stem from musculoskeletal disorders and mental‑health issues, which together account for over 65 % of cases. Average waiting times for medical assessments have risen to about 17.5 days, adding pressure to primary‑care services.

The fiscal impact is substantial: payments for temporary disability reached €16.5 billion in 2024, while the Social Security fund reported a net negative equity exceeding €106 billion. Stakeholders warn that unjustified absenteeism also burdens co‑workers, increasing workloads, reducing morale and potentially lowering overall productivity.

To address the trend, the College of Social Graduates in Almería presented a five‑point plan that includes a progressive, voluntary return‑to‑work scheme for long‑term absentees, a single digital portal linking the INSS, health services, mutual insurers and employers, and stronger preventive measures. The report urges administrators to reinforce primary‑care capacity and for companies to lead return‑to‑work efforts with empathy and data‑driven management.