Norwegian Nurse Sparks Debate on Self-Reported Sick Days

A Norwegian nurse, Anine Synnøve Viken, has ignited a discussion about the apply of self-reported sick days, also known as egenmeldingsdager, after expressing concern that some individuals may be utilizing them as extra days off. Her observations, shared on TikTok, have resonated with over 130,000 viewers and prompted a wider conversation about work ethic and trust in the Norwegian workplace.

The Debate Begins on TikTok

Anine Synnøve Viken, a 32-year-old nurse from Tønsberg, posted a video on TikTok questioning whether people are genuinely sick when using their self-reported sick days. She noted a trend of individuals taking the maximum three-day self-report allowance even when their illness might only last a day or two. Her TikTok video sparked a flurry of comments, with some agreeing with her assessment and others defending the practice.

What are ‘Egenmeldingsdager’?

Self-reported sick days are a common practice in Norway, allowing employees to take up to three days off work due to illness or injury without needing a doctor’s note. To be eligible, employees must have been with the same employer for at least two months. According to the National Insurance Act, employees can use these days up to four times within a 12-month period. VG reports that many companies allow for up to eight calendar days at a time and 24 days per year.

Concerns About Misuse and Trust

Viken argues that misusing the system can negatively impact those who are genuinely ill, particularly in sectors like healthcare, which already face high levels of sickness absence. She emphasizes that the self-reporting system is built on trust between employers and employees and that taking advantage of it when not sick erodes that trust. “The self-reporting scheme is based on trust from the employer. If one uses it without being ill, it is a breach of trust,” Viken stated in an interview with VG.

Research and Broader Trends

Despite Viken’s concerns, research suggests that widespread misuse of self-reported sick days may not be as prevalent as she fears. Researcher Hans Christoffer Aargaard Terjesen at the Labor Research Institute at OsloMet, notes that nearly 20 years of research has not revealed a common practice of employees “using up” their self-reporting days unnecessarily. He believes that the majority of Norwegian workers are motivated and dedicated.

Overall sickness absence in Norway has been declining, falling to 6.57 percent in 2025 – the lowest level in three years, with self-reported sickness absence remaining at one percent. But, sickness absence remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Employer Perspective

The Norwegian Confederation of Business (NHO) acknowledges that some companies experience challenges with the misuse of self-reporting schemes. Nina Melsom, director of working life and collective bargaining at NHO, stresses the importance of using the sick depart system responsibly and reducing overall sickness absence, which costs Norwegian businesses around NOK 100 billion annually.

A Complex Issue

Viken acknowledges the complexity of the issue, stating that she doesn’t want to penalize those with legitimate reasons for using their self-reporting days, such as psychological stress. She also doesn’t necessarily advocate for stricter rules, such as “retirement days” used in Sweden, fearing they could negatively impact genuinely sick employees.

The debate highlights a tension between the trust-based nature of the Norwegian welfare system and concerns about maintaining a strong work ethic. As Anine Synnøve Viken’s TikTok video demonstrates, it’s a conversation that continues to resonate with many Norwegians.