The number of sick leave instances among federal employees has risen this year. Six out of ten federal public services reported an increase in absences lasting more than seven consecutive days, according to a study by HR service provider Acerta Consult.
The survey, conducted with the Ministry of Strategy and Support (Bosa) and published on Thursday, interviewed 200 human resources managers from public administrations, including 50 from the ministry, between late September and mid-October.
The findings indicate a rise in sickness-related absenteeism within federal public services. In 60% of these services, HR managers noted an increase in absences due to illness lasting seven consecutive days. In 2023, the absenteeism rate among federal employees was already at a record 6.71%, the highest since measurements began in 2009. Stress-related mental health issues accounted for 40% of sick days, making it the leading cause of workplace absence.
Since then, the situation appears to have deteriorated. "In no public sector instance have absences of more than seven working days decreased," Acerta reported. "Short-term absences (from one to seven working days) have increased in 37% of the surveyed federal public services, while 'only' 11% reported a decrease in short-term sick leave."
This rise in absenteeism comes as the labour market faces a severe shortage. "It is already challenging to find suitable new employees. The increase in absenteeism makes this challenge even more pressing," the HR service provider emphasised.
