Spain Replaces 'Absenteeism' with 'Hours Not Worked'

Spain Replaces 'Absenteeism' with 'Hours Not Worked' in Official Reports MADRID, Spain (ABC News) – The Spanish government has quietly replaced the term "absentismo" (absenteeism) with "horas no trabajadas" (hours not worked) in official communications. The change, implemented by the National Statistics Institute (INE), aims to avoid the negative connotations associated with the word "absenteeism." However, this shift has sparked debate, as international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to use the term. "The change was made to present the data in a more neutral and less judgmental way," explained a spokesperson for INE. "The term 'absenteeism' can often be perceived negatively, even when the absence is due to legitimate reasons like illness or family emergencies." While the INE's decision is intended to improve clarity and reduce stigma, some critics argue that the change obfuscates the issue of workplace absences. The use of "hours not worked" may mask the underlying causes of absences and hinder efforts to address them effectively. The video from ABC News highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding this terminology shift, underscoring the importance of clear and unbiased language in official statistics.