New regulations will significantly impact work leave policies starting in September. A recent decree published in the official journal introduces a limit on the duration of sick leave. This decision responds to ongoing challenges in managing employee absenteeism, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details of the New Sick Leave Regulations
Under the new law, first-time sick leave will be capped at one month. For those requiring extensions, the limit will extend to two months. These measures apply broadly to healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, midwives, and dentists.
Key Implementation Dates
- Effective Date: September 1, 2026
- Maximum Duration for Initial Sick Leave: 30 days
- Maximum Duration for Prolonged Sick Leave: 60 days
Financial Considerations
The decree also establishes a limit of 360 days for daily sick leave benefits over a three-year period. This change is crucial as the costs associated with daily allowances have surged since the COVID-19 crisis, amounting to €18 billion annually for social security. This expenditure has increased by €1 billion each year, highlighting significant budgetary implications.
Influence of COVID-19 on Absenteeism
Employee absenteeism has remained high post-COVID-19, particularly among private sector workers. An increase in longer sick leaves, often related to mental health, has been observed. According to a study by Malakoff Humanis, this trend has generated substantial concern for employers and policymakers alike.
Background and Legislative Changes
Initially, the government proposed stricter limits of 15 days for sick leave prescribed by general practitioners and 30 days for hospital stays. However, legislators voted to establish a unified cap of one month for both situations, thereby ensuring these limits are formally embedded in law rather than left to executive discretion.
Upcoming Changes in 2027
Additionally, an upcoming decree will stipulate a maximum of four years for the payment of sick leave benefits related to occupational accidents or illnesses, starting in 2027.
These new regulations reflect a significant shift in approach toward managing health-related absenteeism, aimed at balancing the needs of employees with the fiscal realities faced by social security systems.
