The Canary Islands are seeing a growing trend of sickness-related absences from work, that is sparking growing concern among business leaders, trade unions and health professionals alike. While employers express frustration over the increasing number of absences due to “temporary incapacity”, unions and medical professionals point to poor workplace health conditions as a key factor.
Although frequently confused, "sickness absence" and "absenteeism" are not interchangeable terms. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), absenteeism refers to situations where an employee fails to attend work or works fewer hours than expected without a valid reason.
In contrast, a sickness absence, officially recognised as Temporary Incapacity (IT) in Spain, is a legitimate right of workers when suffering from illness, injury or health issues. When referring to justified sickness absences, the correct term is “justified absenteeism”.
A Surge in Sickness Absences
Official data from Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration confirms the sharp rise in sickness absences across the Canary Islands. In 2024, the region recorded an average of 38 new cases per month, with a prevalence rate of 73 cases per 1,000 workers. Over the year, the islands saw more than 437,000 new IT cases, with approximately 425,000 resolved by year-end.
Breaking the figures down by province, Las Palmas registered the highest number of new cases, with 251,712 recorded in 2024, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife saw 185,957. By the end of the year, 244,995 cases were closed in Las Palmas and 180,958 in Santa Cruz.
Notably, the average duration of these absences increased to around 50 days, up from 46 in 2023, when a total of 408,000 cases were reported.
Economic and Social Impact
The implications of this rise are being felt across both the public and private sectors. The Canary Islands, with an economy heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and service industries, face unique challenges in ensuring workplace wellbeing. With the IT rate surpassing the national average, questions are being raised about the overall health of the labour market.
Employers, particularly in Tenerife, are voicing concerns. Pedro Afonso, President of the Confederation of Employers of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (CEOE), stated that around 2% of absences are unexcused, putting additional pressure on the rest of the workforce. He emphasised that while justified absences due to illness or accident are respected, the cost of unjustified absences falls heavily on businesses.
Low Wages and Poor Working Conditions
The Canary Islands remain the region with the lowest average wages in Spain. According to trade union leaders, this economic reality contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing of employees. Carmen Marrero, Secretary for Sustainability and Occupational Health at CCOO Canarias, noted that “when someone is off sick, their income drops, and here we have the lowest wages in the country already, nobody wants to be off work without good reason.”
UGT Canarias’ Secretary General, Manuel Navarro, echoed the concern, pointing to substandard employment conditions and inadequate wages. “These conditions lead to repeated absences and deteriorating health among workers in certain sectors,” he said.
Mental Health a Growing Factor
Beyond physical illness, mental health problems are increasingly cited as a major cause of sickness absence. Issues such as stress, anxiety, and emotional burnout are on the rise. Marisol Bardón, psychologist and board member of the Professional College of Psychology in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highlighted the importance of fostering respectful and supportive work environments to prevent mental health deterioration and chronic stress.
The Role of Employers and Prevention Strategies
Experts argue that the solution lies in better workplace conditions and proactive health management. Levy Cabrera, board member of the Professional College of Doctors in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, stated that employers often bear responsibility for poor working conditions that lead to illness, particularly mental health issues. He also emphasised the need for improved risk prevention policies.
To effectively tackle the problem, organisations must prioritise employee wellbeing through flexible work policies, investment in professional development, and supportive workplace cultures.
Towards a Collective Solution
The growing trend of sickness absence in the Canary Islands is a multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated response. Collaboration between employers, trade unions and public authorities is essential to promote healthier work environments and reduce justified absenteeism.
Only through a united effort can the region address this pressing challenge and enhance the quality of life for workers across the archipelago.
