Spring downturn in absenteeism continues, workers in the Netherlands recover from flu
Son, 23 May 2023 – In April, the average rate of absenteeism in the Netherlands fell to 4.5% (compared to 5.0% in March 2023). This was a second consecutive fall in the absenteeism rate, mainly due to fewer employees being ill with flu. That was revealed from statistics from HumanCapitalCare and health and safety services ArboNed, both part of HumanTotalCare and jointly serving around 1 million employees.
Spring downturn
After a peak in flu-related absenteeism in February of this year, the rate has continued to fall. This spring downturn is an annual trend on the eve of the summer period. The main reason is a decrease in absenteeism lasting less than six weeks, including flu-related absenteeism. The downturn is also apparent from the significant reduction in the number of employees calling in sick. In April, HumanCapitalCare and ArboNed recorded 44 sick calls per 1,000 employees. A month earlier, that number was still 74.
Nearing pre-Covid level
The absenteeism figures reveal – as always – differences between SMEs and the big companies. For several months, the absenteeism rate in companies with up to 200 employees has been nearing the pre-Covid level. Last month, this trend was reflected in the big companies too. The absenteeism percentages were 4.1% in SMEs and 5.1% in big companies, compared with 4.5% and 5.9% respectively in March.
Take time to recover
‘This is the period when many employers and employees are looking forward to their summer holiday,’ says Jurriaan Penders, company doctor and director of medical affairs at HumanCapitalCare. ‘We must not underestimate the positive effect of holidays. Due to the scarcity on the labour market, some employees are experiencing more pressure at work. That doesn't need to be a problem in the short term, but after a while it's important to take time off to recharge your batteries. The summer holidays often offer more opportunities to do that. When planning the holiday rota, remember to consider the pressure on colleagues remaining at home.’