Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) has reported a remarkable decrease in sick leave rates, with figures dropping to 6.6% in 2025, the lowest level seen in three years. This news was welcomed by officials, who indicated a need to continue focusing on the health of the workforce despite the improvement. Marit Hermansen, a department director, expressed her satisfaction with the decline but acknowledged that the rates are still high, thus emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts.

The decrease of 2.7 percentage points from the previous year's record high is particularly significant, as it reflects a shift that transpired mainly in the first three quarters of the year. The stabilization of sick leave rates towards the end of the year suggests a potential plateau, which could necessitate further interventions. Eve Vangsnes Bergli, the acting NAV chief, highlighted that there has been a notable decline across all age groups and medical diagnoses, especially in mental health issues, which spiked during and after the pandemic.

The statistics emerge at a critical time when managing health-related absences is paramount for the workforce and the economy. This positive trend hints at recovery within the labor force while also reiterating that mental health remains an area of concern that needs continuous attention. As policymakers consider strategies to maintain and improve these figures, the emphasis on mental well-being within work environments could be crucial to preventing a resurgence of sick leave rates.