VAB (care of a sick child)

VAB (Vård av barn – care of a sick child) is one of the most unique and well-known features of everyday life and the workplace in Sweden. It entails a statutory right for parents to stay home from work to care for a sick child while receiving compensation from the state (via the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, Försäkringskassan).
This compensation is known as vab-ersättning (or temporary parental benefit) and amounts to just under 80 percent of one’s regular income, up to a certain cap.

VAB as a verb: “Att vabba”

The concept has become so deeply ingrained that it has evolved into a verb. In Sweden, it is perfectly natural to send a quick message to your boss or colleagues in the morning saying, “Jag vabbar idag” (I’m taking a VAB day today). No lengthy explanations or feelings of guilt are required, as the system is an accepted part of Swedish work culture.

Typical “VAB habits” and culture

Vabruari: Since winter vomiting bugs, colds, and the flu tend to peak in February, the month is colloquially known as Vabruari. This is the time of year when VAB usage is at its highest across the country.

Vobba: A more modern phenomenon where parents try to combine caring for a sick child with working from home (Vård [care] + Jobba [work] = Vobba). However, it is not permitted to claim state VAB compensation for the hours one actually works and receives a salary for.

Focus on gender equality: There is an ongoing public debate and tracking of statistics regarding whether mothers and fathers share VAB days equally, given that women have historically taken more of these days.

It extends to loved ones

If a parent absolutely must work, a grandparent, neighbour, or friend can care for the sick child in the parent’s place and have the benefit payment transferred to them.