Calculating absenteeism: what does an employee cost per day?
When worries start to dominate your life
Many employers underestimate the true costs of absenteeism. This is because it involves not only the continued payment of wages, but also loss of productivity, replacement, and guidance. In this article, we demonstrate how to calculate the costs per employee, why psychological issues play a major role, and how rapid psychological support makes the difference.
Direct and indirect costs of absenteeism
The average cost of a sick employee ranges between €250 and €400 per day. This amount consists of:
Continued payment of wages – often 70–100% of the salary
Loss of productivity – lower output from the team or colleagues
Replacement costs – temporary hiring, overtime, or redistribution of tasks
Absenteeism management – involvement of HR, occupational health services, or managers
Loss of expertise – poorer customer experience or delays in projects
For an employee with psychological complaints, absenteeism often rises to 80–100 days. At a daily rate of €300, this amounts to €24,000 to €30,000 per employee.
🧠 Mental health-related absenteeism: on the rise and costly
Mental health issues – such as stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression – are the leading cause of long-term absenteeism. Since waiting times in regular healthcare often range from 3 to 6 months, employees remain out of work for unnecessarily long periods.
A prompt intervention can prevent escalation and drastically reduce the duration of absenteeism.
🤝 How does Employee Care help?
At Employee Care, employees can be seen within 10 working days for an intake with an experienced, BIG-registered psychologist. We assess not only the work context but also personal factors. This results in a targeted treatment plan focused on sustainable recovery and a successful return to work.
Employers cite the following benefits:
Quick start without a referral
Expert healthcare psychologists with knowledge of work-related issues
Transparent process with direct communication (GDPR-compliant)
Focus on sustainable employability and recovery
🎯 What can you do as an employer?
Calculate the costs of absenteeism per employee using a simple formula:
Number of days of absence x average daily rate (salary + additional costs)Identify psychological absenteeism: monitor signs of stress, avoidance, or overload.
Take prompt action: do not wait until the six-week mark to intervene, but act at the first signs.
Choose a partner that can start immediately and delivers proven results.