Sickness Absences in Municipal Sector Show Gender and Age Disparities
A recent study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health reveals persistent differences in sickness absences among municipal employees based on gender, age, and occupation. The Kunta10 study, which tracks over 90,000 workers across 11 municipalities, found that while the overall number of sickness absences has remained stable in recent years, significant variations exist between demographic groups.
Women in the municipal sector took an average of 17 sick leave days last year, compared to 12 days for men, according to the study (Yle). The disparity is partly attributed to occupational segregation, as women are overrepresented in fields with higher exposure to illness, such as early childhood education. Ilta-Sanomat highlights that early childhood educators, who are predominantly female, face a greater risk of infectious diseases due to their work with young children.
Age also plays a key role in sickness absence patterns. Employees under 30 had the highest average number of sick leave days—19 per year—while those aged 40–50 averaged 14 days (Ilta-Sanomat). The trend has shifted since the early 2000s, when older workers typically had more absences. Yle reports that younger employees are more prone to short, recurring absences, whereas older workers tend to take longer, less frequent sick leaves.
Occupational differences further influence absence rates. Workers in physical, care, or service roles report more sick days than those in managerial or expert positions (Yle). The study also found that approximately one-fifth of municipal employees did not take a single sick leave day last year.
Jenni Ervasti, a leading researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, emphasizes the importance of monitoring absence trends to provide targeted support. She suggests that lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, could help reduce sickness absences (Yle). The Kunta10 study serves as a key tool for municipalities to assess workforce well-being and implement preventive measures.
