The phenomenon of workplace absenteeism has become a significant challenge for the business community in Lleida, impacting competitiveness. According to recent data, the absenteeism rate closed last year at 7.68%, resulting in the absence of 1.6 to 1.7 million workers nationwide each day. Of these, approximately 80% are due to medical leave. Applying this proportion to the province of Lleida, it is estimated that around 12,800 employees do not report to work daily, a particularly difficult situation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Last year, absenteeism in Spain saw a 0.421% increase compared to the previous year, reaching 7.88% in the fourth quarter, the highest figure on record. This rise is almost entirely attributed to temporary incapacity benefits, which rose by 0.29% year-on-year to 5.97%. Employers in Lleida partially link this trend to difficulties in public healthcare and waiting lists, noting delays in issuing medical releases due to postponed diagnostic tests.
“"We have a sick leave because his girlfriend left him."
The association of small and medium-sized enterprises, Pimec, estimates that the cost of absenteeism for companies amounts to approximately 2,500 euros per employee, placing the annual expenditure in the province of Lleida at around 415 million euros. In response to this situation, the CEOE has proposed that Social Security cover the costs of illness-related absences from the first day. Currently, companies cover salary and contributions for common illnesses up to the 15th day of leave, with Social Security taking over from the 16th. The total cost of absenteeism in Spain reached 33 billion euros in 2025, tripling in a decade, with more than half financed by companies.
