Absenteeism in the Netherlands down slightly in the holiday month of July

23 August 2023

In July 2023, the average rate of absenteeism in the Netherlands fell to 4.1% compared to 4.2% in June 2023. That was revealed from statistics from health and safety services HumanCapitalCare and ArboNed, both part of HumanTotalCare and jointly serving around 1 million employees. Now that the holidays are (almost) over for most of the working nation, health and safety services are offering tips to ease a possible dip after the holidays.

Fewer flu cases

The drop in absenteeism in recent months is mainly due to the fall in flu-related sick leave early this year. The number of people reporting sick in July 2023 fell slightly to 44 per 1,000 employees from 54 in June 2023. Absenteeism remains the highest in healthcare at 5.6%.

Dip after holidays

With schools starting again, many holidaymakers are also returning to work. That first day of work after a period of relaxation takes some getting used to for many people: the ‘after-holiday dip’. But isn’t such a dip after the holidays something we talk ourselves into? “This is not a medical phenomenon, but a psychological reaction,” explains Redmer van Wijngaarden, occupational physician and director of medical affairs at ArboNed. “It can certainly be an unpleasant experience, but it is a normal process. Something that is enjoyable and you would like to continue comes to an end. And that can cause someone to feel a bit down or dreading certain activities. But it can also manifest itself in reactions such as headaches, irritability or sleeping poorly.”

Tips for an energetic return to work

During our holidays, our brains produce happy hormones when we are doing fun things. Once we get back everyday life, these disappear. We enter a transition phase, and need to get used to all the obligations again. Van Wijngaarden: “It is important to also have a good balance between exercise and relaxation in daily life. Take a critical look at your commitments, both in your work and private life. Keep moving, get outside and see what fun things you can continue doing after your holidays. Fortunately, people soon get back into the rhythm and the dip usually disappears within a few days. If it takes longer, there are often other issues, and you should seek help.”