Mental health and sick leave trends in Spain

Reports from different regions in Spain highlight a significant trend in sick leave patterns, particularly regarding mental health and duration of absences.

In Navarra, data shows that while the number of new common contingency sick leaves has decreased by 6.4%, the average duration of completed leaves has reached record levels, rising 21.2% to 34.81 days. Musculoskeletal disorders and mental health issues together account for 64% of all lost workdays. Mental health-related absences in Navarra have increased by 18.6% over the last year, sitting 78.7% above pre-pandemic levels, with a notable increase among women aged 20 to 40.

In Catalonia, mental health-related sick leaves have tripled over the last decade. While these cases account for 8.8% of all common contingency sick leaves, their impact on lost working days is disproportionate; the average duration for mental health leave is 79 days, nearly three times the general average of 28 days. In 2025, mental health reasons accounted for approximately one in every four days of total sick leave in the region. Medical professionals have noted a rise in severe anxiety and adaptive disorders, while debates continue between unions, who cite workplace issues like harassment and low wages, and employer groups, who view the trend as a multi-causal phenomenon.