March 2026 | Sweden | News from the Members
© Afa Försäkring
Return to work made easier
No one should be stuck on sick leave longer than necessary. A new reform from March 1, 2026, means that it will be possible to return to work (RTW) without risking financial security.
To make RTW easier, the Swedish government has decided that those on sick leave will be able to take a work trial while retaining their sick pay. This is an important step towards breaking long-term sick leave and strengthening the work line.
“Health insurance should not only provide financial security for those who become ill, it should also build bridges back to work,” says Minister of Social Insurance Anna Tenje.
“More opportunities to return to work create security for both individuals and society. The longer a sick leave lasts, the more difficult the return becomes,” says Minister of Labour Johan Britz.
Through a work trial, the employer and the employee can investigate whether the time is suitable to begin returning to work, without affecting the sick pay. The individual and employer can find the right way forward, without everything having to work perfectly right away. It is now possible to have a work trial during two separate two-week periods within 365 days. ●