Workforce absence and disability trends
Stay ahead of changes in employee leave with our expert insights
From mental health and AI to policy shakeups, we share data-backed perspectives and practical tips to help conclude 2025 and enter 2026. Anticipate what’s ahead in our latest report, “Workforce absence and disability 2025 trends report and 2026 outlook.”
Are you ready for what’s next in absence and disability?
Prepare for 2026 with the latest workforce absence trends and predictions from our absence management experts.
Stay ahead with expert insights
Plan ahead with unmatched absence and disability perspectives
HR and benefits professionals face unprecedented complexity: rapidly changing federal regulations, escalating mental health claims, new state mandates and more.
Learn ways to:
- Improve your AI journey with clear, actionable steps and best practices
- Cut claim durations and costs using predictive analytics and tailored care approaches
- Boost employee resilience and satisfaction with personalized, whole-person support
- Stay ahead of change with expert guidance on anticipated regulatory and economic shifts
- Plan smarter with faster, data-driven decisions that strengthen results
Inside the report: top 2025 trends and 2026 predictions
The AI race is heating up
New AI adopters are exploring basic automations like PTO approvals, while advanced users are leveraging analytics for improved bottom-line impact. Those who haven’t yet started their journey risk being left behind.
Mental health-related leave is on the rise
Our State of the Line data shows mental health claims nearly rival pregnancy claims, due to contributing factors like postpartum depression affecting 1 in 8 women.
PWFA changes anticipated in 2026
Expect narrowed definitions of pregnancy-related conditions and the removal of abortion-related provisions. Employers should monitor updates and prepare to adjust policies.
“Looking back with an eye toward the future” webinar
Hear from David Setzkorn and Brice Caswell in conversation with the Disability Management Employer Coalition on why the latest absence and disability trends matter for today’s workforce leaders.
(submission of name and email address required for access)
Meet our absence management experts
Diane Boyden
Managing Director, Workforce Absence
Diane is a key member of Sedgwick’s workforce absence leadership team, overseeing shared services such as data analytics and clinical resources and serving as a liaison between operations and IT for ongoing improvements and initiatives. She is an operational process management and customer service expert with extensive leadership and strategic planning experience in development and growth environments. During her 20-plus years of industry tenure, Diane has focused on operations management, strategic partnerships, product support and development, process analysis and reengineering, and overall program quality review and execution.
Brice Caswell
Director, Product Compliance and Statutory Administration
Brice manages compliance with the federal Family Medical and Leave Act (FMLA) and statutory leave programs for Sedgwick’s workforce absence business. Before joining Sedgwick in 2019, he stood up and oversaw the disability, paid family leave and FMLA claims administration department at his previous employer. A licensed attorney, he is well regarded in the benefits arena as an expert in compliance matters related to employee leaves of absence.
David Setzkorn
SVP, Workforce Absence and Disability Practice Leader
Drawing on his 15-plus years of experience as an expert on leave administration for insurance carriers and brokers, David provides thought leadership, best practices and compliance guidance on workforce absence — enabling Sedgwick to provide clients with world-class benefits administration services. He specializes in employee absence program/policy development, training, benchmarking analysis and managing compliance with state and federal regulations. David is a highly respected and nationally recognized speaker at industry conferences.
Charlie Woosley IV
VP, Analytics, Workforce Absence
Charlie oversees the strategic direction of reporting, analytics and data science efforts for Sedgwick’s workforce absence business. He is known for his expertise in leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize decision-making and enhance business processes. His work focuses on integrating generative and analytical AI to transform data into actionable insights, driving innovation and organizational efficiency.
Get the insights. Stay ahead. Shape what’s next.
Navigate the unexpected, together
Managing employee leave and disability is complex, but it shouldn’t be a burden. With Sedgwick’s unmatched technology systems and experience in benefits administration, every detail is handled seamlessly. Employees get the time and support they need, while you’re free to focus on what matters most: your workforce.
