Sick leave certificates issued for burnout have significantly increased in Estonia over the last year, data from the Labor Inspectorate’s annual report shows. Additionally, 25 percent of complaints made to the agency are related to foreign workers.
Last year, incapacity benefits paid for burnout totaled €844,870. This is almost three times higher than in 2023, when payments amounted to €365,691.
“This may indicate that the workload has become unbearable or that people have become more aware of their mental health and are seeking medical help earlier than before,” the report says.
“If the situation continues at the same pace, the related costs may increase even further, and more problems could arise in the labor market with employees facing long-term incapacity for work,” it continues.
The data shows burnout mainly affects working-age people, and the highest risk group is employees aged 30 to 39.
More read: ERR.EE
