Rising Mental Health Absenteeism Grips Galicia's Workforce
Galicia sees a 113% rise in mental health-related absenteeism from 2018 to 2023, now the second leading cause of workplace sick leave.
- • Absenteeism due to mental health issues in Galicia rose by 113% from 2018 to 2023.
- • Mental health is now the second leading cause of absenteeism, behind musculoskeletal disorders.
- • Workers under 30, especially women, experience the most significant rates of mental health-related absenteeism.
- • Mental health conditions account for 64.5% of repeated temporary incapacity cases in 2023.
Key details
Between 2018 and 2023, Galicia has witnessed a staggering 113% increase in absenteeism related to mental health issues, propelling it to the second leading cause of temporary incapacity among workers. Musculoskeletal disorders still hold the top spot, but the surge in mental health-related sick leaves indicates a growing epidemic of stress, anxiety, and depression affecting the region's workforce. Notably, workers under 30, particularly women, are most impacted by this trend, reporting the highest rates of absenteeism due to mental health concerns.
Recent studies from the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (Ivie) and Umivale Activa reveal that the total mental health-related absenteeism has increased by 64% overall, with figures showing 34.9 cases per 1,000 employees suffering from these conditions in 2023. This alarming trend comes against a backdrop where mental health issues now account for approximately 30% of workdays lost due to temporary incapacity for those under 30, while for older workers, they rank second after musculoskeletal disorders. Together, these two categories now make up more than two-thirds of the total absenteeism increase in the region during the last five years.
In addition to the high absenteeism rates, long-term sick leave due to mental health diagnoses is becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2023, 64.5% of individuals with repeated temporary incapacity were linked to mental health issues. The report highlights the complex nature of diagnosing and managing mental health conditions, leading to high denial rates for temporary incapacity claims, as treatments for such disorders often remain elusive or challenging to quantify.
The implications of these trends are significant for both employers and employees, as they highlight the necessity for improved mental health support frameworks within the workplace. With the healthcare system grappling to adapt to these rising cases, the situation calls for urgent attention to mental wellness strategies to combat the tide of absenteeism driven by psychological issues.