A surge in mental health-related sick leave claims in Poland reflects growing societal awareness, not weakness, according to an SWPS University expert.
Statistical Data from ZUS
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reports a significant increase in sick leave claims related to mental and behavioral disorders over the past seven years.
Comparative Scale of the Phenomenon
Comparative figures between 2019 and 2025 demonstrate the scale of the increase in mental health-related sick leave.
Reasons for the Change According to the Expert
Dr. hab. Sylwiusz Retowski from SWPS University emphasizes that Poland is not an outlier compared to other EU countries. He notes a growing willingness among individuals to openly discuss problems they previously would have been ashamed to admit.
There is a shift in priorities, from the material focus of older generations to a pursuit of high quality of life and well-being, particularly among young people.
Contemporary Work Overloads
Today’s workers face two types of burdens instead of physical demands.
The Situation of the Current Generation Entering the Labor Market
The current generation entering the job market faces an abundance of options and pressure from social media, making their situation more challenging than it was 20-30 years ago.
Expert’s Perspective on Systemic Change
Prof. Retowski points out that individual care for mental health will not change the work environment; real improvements require action at the organizational level. He also adds that legal solutions typically follow social changes only when the need becomes clearly apparent.
Most Common Reasons for Issuing Certificates
Information on the most frequent reasons for issuing medical certificates was not provided.