Tjaša Redek, Petra Došenović Bonča, Daša Farčnik and Tanja Istenič

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel methodology to estimate the
economic burden of premature mortality in the working
population. The method is based on GDP (value added)
decomposition at the occupational level. The approach estimates
the loss of value added due to premature deaths in Slovenia by
considering the productivity of individuals in different
occupations. By integrating data on working individuals, causes
of death, and company balance sheets, the results provide a
decomposition of GDP losses across occupational groups. The
results show significant differences in the value added lost
between occupational groups, with professionals and technicians
contributing most to the total loss. This approach provides an
alternative estimate of economic losses compared to traditional
methods, by accounting for the occupational contributions to
GDP. However, the study also acknowledges limitations, such as
uncertainties regarding future retirement ages and a relatively
small sample size for certain occupations. This methodology
provides valuable insights for policymakers about the
importance of addressing the economic burden of premature
mortality in the labour force.