Sick leave down by 40 percent after focus on attendance

Norwegian women working in the health and care sector are more likely to take doctor prescribed sick leave (over more than 21 days), compared to other groups of working people.

The numbers can be explained by the working environment according to a fresh report from the Norwegian National Institute of Occupational Health, STAMI.

Results show that the risk of going on sick leave for more than 21 days is 42 percent higher for women in the health and care sector compared to women in other parts of the labour market. 70 percent of this increased risk stems from factors to do with the working environment, especially those of a psychosocial nature. It could be the threat of violence, emotional demands at work, but also heavy lifting in uncomfortable positions.

Compared to the total labour market, workers in the health and care sector face high demands combined with a low degree of control. STAMI’s ‘Fact book on the working environment and health’ is published every three years, and describes developments in Norway’s working environments.