AN OVERVIEW OF WORKPLACE ABSENTEEISM IN EUROPE
Out of office: An overview of workplace absenteeism in Europe is an Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report, supported by Pfizer. It examines the causes of sick leave, how the cost of sick leave cover is divided between state, employer and employee, and how workplace absenteeism can be prevented.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE: Out of office_WEB
The report draws on two main sources for its research and findings.
Desk research undertaken by the EIU in December 2013 to review regulation governing how the cost of sick leave is shared between employees, employers and the state in 17 European countries. The research focused on:
+ the number of sick days an employee is entitled to
+ the period of sick leave covered by the employer
+ the proportion of salary the employer is required to provide
+ state provision of sickness benefit
A series of in-depth interviews with senior business executives and leading experts:
+ Mark Agius, spokesman, European Depression Association
+ Claudia Menne, confederal secretary, European Trade Union Confederation
+ Xenia Scheil-Adlung, health policy co-ordinator, International Labour Organisation
+ Dimitris Theodorakis, European policy officer, Union Network International
+ Donna Walsh, executive director, European Federation of Neurological Associations
The EIU also received comments from:
+ Laszlo Andor, European commissioner for social affairs, employment and inclusion
+ Tristan Lormeau, director of resources and group management, Renault
+ Ralf Urlinger, vice president of health management, BMW Group
We would like to thank all interviewees and commentators for their time and insight. The report was written by Lois Rogers and edited by Sara Mosavi.