Why the work stoppages explode (and not in France)

And the designated culprit is the same everywhere: mental health. Therefore, The Germans are suffering more. Furthermore, more “psychological disorders”, confirmed Markus Beier, the president of the German association of doctors, in the DW media. Therefore, In Spain, sick leave for this reason has increased by 78 % since 2018. Consequently, They are the second cause of stopping of more than two weeks.

Young people more sensitive to mental health issues – Why work stoppages explode (and

What about French employees? However, They don’t really go better. Similarly, The Mercer barometer published in July notes an “increase in the absenteeism rate in 2024” due especially to long -term stops. Therefore, “often for mental health reasons”.

“When you look at the reasons for stops, it does not move for MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders) or serious illnesses. Nevertheless, On the other hand. Furthermore, we have an explosion of psychosocial disorders, ”explains Florian Bocognano, actuarial why work stoppages explode (and manager of the health and foresight department for Mercer France. In addition, Two categories of employees are particularly affected: caregivers, faced with a significant mental charge, and the youngest employees.

“Mental health problems have long been invisible but we are witnessing a real release of speech which first affects the latest generation entry into the world of work. In addition, that which was a student during the COVVID and which was made aware of this question,” he analyzes.

Young people “less hesitant to take care of their health”

This release. the Malakoff Humanis 2025 barometer on absenteeism confirms it: 49 % of young workers under 30 had at least one stop in the year. This is seven more points than the average of employees and psychological disorders are now the second reason for absence. They represent a quarter of long -term stops. For the insurer, entry into working life is a “shock” why work stoppages explode (and for many. Young people are more stressed and attribute their judgments to an excessive workload or to “problematic” managerial practices. Malakoff Humanis also points to a relationship with different work. Young people “are less hesitant to take care of their health”.

There is a real taboo that has been lifted on mental health in society.

“There is a real taboo that has been lifted on mental health in society. The new generation is easier to put a stop for this reason, ”approves Florian Bocognano, to Mercer.

So are the youngest employees more fragile than their elders? The expert is not of this opinion. According to him, they just sound the alarm earlier: “For the moment, we see an increase in fifteen days. We can fear abuses, as for everything. But we can also see that if the problem is taken care of as soon as possible. it is as for physical health, we why work stoppages explode (and will avoid more serious problems later. Entraining the machine takes time. It will be necessary to monitor if. in the coming years, we see a drop in stops over 180 days, ”he analyzes.

Governments tighten the screw (except one)

In the meantime, governments seek to stop the phenomenon to lower the bill. In Belgium. the possibility of being absent from a day without a medical certificate was limited to twice a year, against three before. In Germany, insurers and employers demand the establishment of a day of deficiency. In France. the government plans to extend this deficiency period and establish a day which would no longer be reimbursed for any employee.

“It will save money on very short -lived disease stops. An enrollved employee may prefer to ask for teleworking. go to the office rather than being arrested for two days. But that will not stop the phenomenon of longer stops that requires why work stoppages explode (and business prevention, ”notes Florian Bocognano.

Only one country is an exception in its strategy: the United Kingdom. A government bill is currently under debate. proposes to better compensate employees absent for health reasons by removing the four deficiency days currently in force and by charging employers. Main argument: employees will be much more fulfilled and productive and companies will be winners.