The FREMAP Health Observatory has published the monthly report on trends in temporary disability (TD) for the period between January and August 2026. This analysis offers an updated view of the main indicators related to sick leave and its behaviour by type of illness and diagnostic group. The publication is part of FREMAP's commitment to disseminating specialised information that contributes to the knowledge of occupational health and temporary disability.

Average rate

Up to August 2026, 31.47 absences were recorded per 100 employees, representing a decrease of 5.38% compared to the same period in 2025.

The incidence of non-work-related injuries or illnesses was 29.09 sick leave cases per 100 workers, while work-related injuries or illnesses registered2.38 sick leave cases per 100 workers.

Total temporary disability rate

The total TD rate reached 6.07 days of sick leave for every 100 days of contributions until August 2026. In the case of non-work-related injuries or illnesses, the rate stood at 5.63, while the rate corresponding to work-related injuries or illnesses was 0.44.

Diagnostic groups

The diagnostic group with the highest number of sick leave cases initiated was that of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which accounted for 22.28% of the total number of cases recorded during the period analysed. Next was pathologies related to general discomfort and symptoms, with 12.67% of the total number of sick leave cases.

As for accumulated days of sick leave, musculoskeletal disorders represented 34.38% of the total number of days of temporary disability recorded. This was followed by mental and behavioural disorders (MBDs), which accounted for 17.49% of sick leave days.

Sample analysed

The study was conducted on a sample of 1,045,229 temporary disability processes, which generated 49,004,479 days of sick leave between January and August 2026.

The population analysed comprises an average protected group of:

· 4,196,740 workers with work-related injuries and illnesses.

· 3,250,507 workers with non-work-related injuries or illnesses.

You can check out the full study at the following link:

👉 Evolution of Temporary Disability. Monthly report