Public sector absences near private sector levels

Public sector employees in France were absent for an average of 11 days due to health reasons in 2025, slightly more than private sector employees, but the gap between the two sectors has been nearly nonexistent for the first time since 2022, except in hospitals.

Absence rates decline after a peak

The average duration of absences in the public sector dropped by 2.6 days in 2023, then by one day in 2024, before stabilizing in 2025 at a level very close to that of the private sector, which averages 10.6 days. For women, the duration dropped by 4.7 days since 2022, to 12 days per year.

Hospitals remain an exception

Hospitals are an exception, with public hospital employees absent for an average of more than 14 days in 2025, 1.3 days more than in 2024. In contrast, the duration of absences in territorial communities decreased by 0.6 days in 2024, to 12.7 days.

Higher demands in hospitals

Hospital staff face significantly higher exposure to emotional, physical, and time-related demands compared to the private sector, according to Boris Melmoux-Eude, general director of the administration and public function. This is based on a survey by Dares, the statistical service of the Ministry of Labor.

Aging workforce increases absences

The gap in absences between the public and private sectors is concentrated among older employees. Staff over 50 years old in the public sector were absent for an average of 14.9 days, 1.5 days more than their private sector counterparts. The average age of public sector employees reached 44 years in 2024, compared to 41 years in the private sector.

Local authorities see longer sick leave

A barometer published by the WTW firm, based on data from 10,000 local authorities insured with them, shows an increase in ordinary sick leave, with an average duration of 38 days in 2025, six days more than in 2023. The aging of local staff contributes to this trend, though it is not the sole factor.

Salary reduction for sick leave

Since March 1, 2025, public sector employees on ordinary sick leave receive only 90% of their salary during the first three months, compared to 100% previously. This change may influence the pattern of absences and how they are reported.