Sick leave in Norway reached its lowest point in three years at 6.57% in 2025, prompting proposal by politician Trygve Slagsvold Vedum to maintain the current sick pay system.
In 2025, Norway recorded a notable drop in sick leave to 6.57%, the lowest it has been in three years. This decline of 2.7% from the previous year's exceptionally high rates signals a positive trend in employee health and workplace management. Politician Trygve Slagsvold Vedum from the Centre Party believes this improvement indicates that the country can maintain its sick pay levels without needing cuts, a suggestion previously floated by rival parties such as the Conservatives and the Liberal Party.
Vedum's perspective is that sick pay is a fundamental aspect of the welfare state and should be defended vigorously. He emphasizes the importance of continuing efforts to enhance workplace conditions to further reduce absenteeism. The underlying message here reinforces the idea that financial stability in sick pay can lead to better overall health outcomes. This focus aligns with the broader social policies aimed at ensuring that more people can participate in the workforce rather than being sidelined due to health issues.
Support from labor union representatives, such as Henriette Jevnaker, echoes Vedum's sentiments, calling the latest statistics encouraging. The decrease in sick leave seems to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve better health outcomes for employees while retaining the existing sick pay structure, suggesting a path forward that does not involve cuts but rather concerted efforts to improve workplace engagement and vitality.
