Absenteeism and Work Inability Due to Alcohol Consumption in Poland

Agata Olearczyk

doi:10.21697/ejhp.0707.02

Published: 2025-12-09

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025)

Absenteeism and Work Inability Due to Alcohol Consumption in Poland

Agata Olearczyk

European Journal of Health Policy, Humanization of Care and Medical Ethics

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/ejhp.0707.02

Abstract

Alcohol consumption has long been embedded in social and cultural traditions worldwide, yet recent trends highlight its escalating public health implications. Statistically, approximately 1.2 million Poles need treatment, with an additional 4 to 5 million engaging in risky drinking behavior. Poland’s per capita alcohol intake exceeds the EU average, and the country ranks second in alcohol-related mortality within the EU. The economic burden of alcohol-related issues in 2020 was estimated at over PLN 93 billion, surpassing tax revenues from alcohol sales. This study examines the scope and consequences of alcohol use in Poland among workers, emphasizing
its societal, health, and economic impacts. The analysis includes data from the Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych or “ZUS”) on sick leave from 2006 to 2025, which is publicly available in annual reports on sick leave and the reasons for it. The following variables were analyzed: absence from work due to personal illness of persons insured with ZUS due to alcohol consumption (Code C), measured in the number of days (thousands) and the share of all sick leave (%), as well as the causes. The data was analyzed by year, gender, and age group and is presented with descriptive statistics. The analysis showed a consistent rise in sick
leave due to alcohol use, with a 51% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The most affected age group was 35–49-year-olds, with most absences lasting up to five days, indicating recurrent alcohol-related issues among employees. Countries with effective regulation strategies demonstrate significant reductions in morbidity, mortality, and social costs, suggesting that Poland’s approach should shift toward ongoing, multi-sectoral interventions to address this growing public health challenge.

Keywords:

workforce, alcohol, employee, absenteeism

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