Four out of ten employees were prescribed sick leave in 2024; 18-34 year olds and managers are the most affected

Just over four in ten employees (42%) were prescribed sick leave in 2024, as in 2023, with certain populations such as young people and managers being more affected, according to a barometer published by Malakoff Humanis on Thursday, May 5. The survey, conducted since 2016, was carried out among a representative sample of 400 business leaders and 3,000 private sector employees from January 6 to 30, 2025.

This "annual absenteeism barometer" (absences from work for health reasons), carried out by Ifop for the supplementary health and welfare group, shows that the level has remained stable compared to the previous year.

Those aged 18-34 are more affected than employees as a whole (47%, up 1 point from last year, and even 49% among those aged 18-30), while those aged 50 and over are less affected (32%, down 5 points). Managers are also more affected (53%), a rate that has increased by eight points in one year, although it has returned to the same level as two years ago.

By sector of activity, health is in the lead (53%), ahead of construction (48%, +8 points) and industry (44%). This is followed by trade (40%), services (39%) and transport (38%). Short-term work stoppages (1 to 3 days) are on the rise (30%, +2 points); medium-term work stoppages (4 to 30 days) are falling (60%, -3 points) and long-term work stoppages (more than 30 days) are stable (10%).

After ordinary illnesses (flu, colds, tonsillitis, etc.) and Covid (40%), psychological disorders and/or burnout are the second most common reason for sick leave (16%, compared to 15% the previous two years). This is followed by musculoskeletal disorders (14%) and accidents/traumas (13%). One in four long-term sick leave cases is linked to psychological disorders (+3 points). Employees who are off work for this reason primarily point to the demands of their job (34%) and "problems related to managerial practices" (25%), followed by "the environment and social relationships at work" (23%).

Requests for sick leave from doctors are on the rise, the study reports, with 20% of employees requesting sick leave, compared to 14% the previous year.