Key points. This study, conducted by Santé publique France in partnership with the Île-de-France (IdF) Hand Prevention Network among patients who underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), describes the patients’ socio-occupational characteristics (socio-occupational category, occupational disease claims, etc.) and their relationship to the duration of sick leave. Among patients who were employed during the 10 years prior to surgery, 59% considered their work to be the likely primary cause of CTS. However, only 25% of employed patients had filed a claim for occupational disease recognition. The median duration of sick leave among employed patients was 30 days, ranging from 21 days for non-manual workers to 40 days for heavy manual workers. The duration of work absence was longer among patients who had filed an OW claim than among other employed patients (median duration of 44 days versus 30 days). It was also longer among patients experiencing job strain, those who frequently handled or carried loads exceeding 4 kg at work, or those who used vibrating tools outside of work. To facilitate the return to work for patients who have undergone SCC surgery in the Île-de-France region, prevention efforts should aim to reduce occupational exposures such as lifting loads or situations involving job strain. The increased duration of work absence associated with workers’ compensation claims warrants special attention to the return-to-work process, with greater collaboration between occupational health services, healthcare providers, health insurance, and employers.