Workplace absenteeism hits record highs in 2022, study finds

A development that is not only linked to the Covid-19 epidemic. Absenteeism in the company reached records in 2022, with 44% of employees who were absent at least one day, against 30% in 2019, according to a barometer published by Axa, Monday May 22.

According to the study, this increase can be explained by a sharp increase in short-term work stoppages, which “may potentially be related” to epidemic waves, for example with the Omicron variant at the start of last year.

The insurer also notes “an uptrend” absenteeism, in particular due to latent disorders such as psychological or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). For the second year in a row, psychological disorders are the leading cause of long-term absence from work (22.2%, +4 points compared to 2019), ahead of MSDs (21.2%).

Young people particularly affected

The increase in absenteeism affected all age groups, but the youngest (under 30) were even more affected: their absenteeism rate increased by more than 50% between 2019 and 2022. by comparison, the increase was 34.3% among 45-50 year olds.

All sectors are concerned. The mainly food trade shows the highest rate of absenteeism, at 6.8% against 4.5% overall. Axa estimates the direct cost of absenteeism at 4.4% of payroll in 2022, compared to 3.4% in 2019.

For 2023, the study predicts “a slight drop” absenteeism, but without a return to the pre-Covid situation, with indicators “at levels well above those of 2019”.