Norway is experiencing its highest sick leave rates in 15 years, with a 7.1% absence rate reported in the second quarter of this year.

This alarming trend has prompted Labor and Inclusion Minister Tonje Brenna to call for urgent action, emphasizing the need for a new Inclusive Workplace Agreement (IA-avtale) to effectively reduce these numbers.

Brenna warns that without intervention, more drastic measures may be necessary in the future.

The situation is particularly challenging in healthcare settings like Sykehuset Østfold, where staff are stretched thin, often taking on extra shifts to cover for absent colleagues.

Brenna suggests that some of the sick leave, especially related to mental health, could be mitigated by encouraging people to remain in the workforce, highlighting the benefits of workplace community and engagement.