Study to analyse national sick leave policies and their impacts on workers’ health and productivity to identify best practices for workers and businesses

The European Commission (Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) intends to procure for a study to analyse national sick leave policies and assess their impacts on workers’ health and productivity to identify good practices, in line with the Action Plan on labour and skills shortages (COM(2024) 131 final). Sick leave policies are defined as organisational rules, procedures, and entitlements, in place at national level, that govern how employees take time off and return to work following illness or injury. This procurement request aims to provide an up-to-date analysis of national sick leave policies, including their main features and effectiveness. In 2016, the Commission procured for a study to analyse Member States’ sick leave policies and sickness benefits, which showed significant differences across Member States in eligibility conditions, duration of leave and payment rates (doi: 10.2767/531076). The European Agency EU-OSHA has also carried out research on sick leave policies, focusing on rehabilitation and return to work policies across all the EU Member States and the four EFTA countries (doi: 10.2802/48176), as well as on measures that support return to work following severe illness. These studies highlighted the need for holistic approaches and better coordination among stakeholders, including medical professionals, employers, and vocational services. This procurement has three main objectives. First, it shall provide an up-to-date mapping of sick leave policies (including rehabilitation and return to work policies) across EU Member States, analysing their main features and policy changes since 2020 or over past 10 years as relevant, and identifying upcoming reforms. Second, the study shall examine the effects of sick leave policies on workers’ health and well-being, as well as on productivity. The task should also consider complementary measures that enhance the effectiveness of sick leave polices, such as those focused on health risk prevention, mitigation of sickness-related risks, and the promotion of workers’ health and productivity. Third, the study shall also assess the implementation and outcomes of sick leave policies to identify good practices that benefit workers and businesses, notably those that support workers’ gradual return to work following extended sick leave. These practices can facilitate an effective recovery of workers while maintaining their labour market attachment, and help companies retain human capital and reduce staff turnover costs. The role of relevant stakeholders in the implementation of sick leave policies shall also be considered. To achieve the purposes of this study, the tenderer shall deliver a report that synthesises findings from the literature review, economic analyses and comparative policy research at both EU and Member State levels. The report will include comparative in-depth analysis, evidence-based conclusions and policy recommendations. An executive summary suitable for dissemination to a non-specialist audience will also be prepared. The results of this study will inform the design of sick leave policies that safeguard workers’ health, support a gradual reintegration into the labour market, promote longer and sustainable working lives, and contribute to a healthier and more resilient workforce, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights.