Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reported a record 290.5 million days of sick leave in 2025, a 0.5 million day increase year-over-year.
Record Absences Registered in 2025
In 2025, 27.5 million medical certificates for temporary incapacity to work were registered, translating to 290.5 million days of absence. This represents an increase of 0.5 million days compared to the previous year and 8 million days more than in 2021, according to data published by ZUS on Tuesday.
Statistics on Medical Leave in 2025
The ZUS data reveals a growing trend of sick leave in Poland, noting that people are getting sick more often and for longer durations. The institution emphasized that absenteeism is a dynamic and seasonally variable phenomenon.
Breakdown of Absence Data
In 2025, 27.5 million medical certificates for temporary incapacity to work were recorded, resulting in a total of 290.5 million days of sick leave. This includes absences due to personal illness, as well as time off for caring for children or other family members.
Average Leave Duration and Coverage
The average duration of a medical certificate was 11 days, and statistically, every second Pole insured by ZUS received one. Compared to the previous year, there were half a million more days of sick leave recorded.
Short-Term Leaves and Growth Dynamics
ZUS reported an increase in the use of short-term sick leave. A total of 9.8 million certificates were issued for personal illness lasting up to 5 days, a 0.2 percent increase compared to the previous year (9.5 million in 2024), including 1.8 million single-day certificates (1.7 million in 2024).
Comparative Data: 2024 and 2021
Compared to 2024, the number of sick leave days increased by 0.2 percent (and by 2.8 percent compared to 2021), while the number of medical certificates increased by 0.1 percent (and by 11.8 percent compared to 2021). In 2025, total sick leave amounted to 290.5 million days (of which 254.5 million days were for individuals insured by ZUS). A total of 24.2 million certificates were issued for personal illness, totaling 277.6 million days.
Common Causes of Incapacity to Work
ZUS identified psychological factors and workload as increasingly common causes of sick leave, including burnout resulting from excessive responsibilities, a lack of work-life balance, and poor workplace relationships.
Absence Due to Illness and ZUS Coverage
In 2025, total sick leave amounted to 290.5 million days, with 254.5 million days attributed to individuals insured by ZUS. Sick leave specifically due to personal illness among ZUS-insured individuals totaled 242.0 million days.