New cases of sickness lasting more than 14 days fell by 5 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year. The number of sick-pay days fell by 3 percent.
The decline occurred across all industries.
It is too early to say whether this is a sustained trend, according to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).
"After a few years of increases, sick leave usually falls again. Recessions with higher unemployment can also usually reduce sick leave," says Ulrik Lidwall in a press release.
Psychiatric diagnoses are still the most common cause of sick leave, but they fell by 12 percent last year.
As usual, sick leave is highest in healthcare and social care, where there are "known challenges in the organizational and social work environment."
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