Absenteeism rates in the Netherlands increase unusually fast

Continue to communicate and stay alert to prevent absenteeism

The average absenteeism rate in the Netherlands increased in July—despite the holiday period—to 4.5% (compared to 4.4% in June 2022), meaning that the absenteeism rate remained higher than usual. This upward trend in absenteeism is also noticeable in the annual figures, which was the highest in years with an average rate of 4.7%. In view of the tight labour market and the possible increase in Covid-19 infections in the autumn, it remains important for employers and employees to continue to communicate with each other and to stay alert.

Unusual increase during the holiday period

Under normal circumstances, the absenteeism rate decreases in the summer period because people go on holiday. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, this seasonal trend is hardly noticeable. “Last year, we already observed that the absenteeism rate remained the same in July instead of decreasing,” says Jurriaan Penders, medical officer and director of medical affairs at HumanCapitalCare. “This year, we even see an increase. This is mostly caused by a peak in the number of Covid-related sick reports in the first half of July.”

Highest absenteeism in large companies and the healthcare sector

There are major differences between companies of different sizes and between different sectors. The absenteeism rate in SMEs—companies with less than 200 employees—is lower than in large companies, 4.1% and 5.1% respectively. Compared to previous years, the absenteeism rate in July is also higher by an average of 0.5%. The healthcare sector is an outlier; its absenteeism rate in July is on average 1% higher compared to the previous three years.

Annual figures: highest absenteeism rate in years

The upward trend in absenteeism rates is also noticeable in the annual figures between July 2021 and June 2022. “The average absenteeism rate was the highest in years, reaching a level of 4.7%. Due to Covid-19, more people report sick, especially during Covid waves. However, our data does show that employees return to work sooner after a Covid-19 infection; 50% return to work after seven days. Between February and June 2021—when the alpha variant was dominant—return to work took fifteen days,” says Penders. In addition to absenteeism related to Covid-19, emotional-related absenteeism is also increasing. “Work pressure, partly due to the tight labour market, also influences this. In the past year, the absenteeism rate also increased as a result of stress and burnout, among other issues. This increase corresponds with what we witnessed in previous years.”

Stay alert and pay attention to each other

The tight labour market and Covid-19 infections continue to create staffing challenges in many companies. “The question remains how Covid-19 and absenteeism will continue to develop. It is very likely that the number of infections in the autumn will rise again. It is important for the continuity of companies that employers discuss with employees how to prepare for this. We cannot stress this enough: basic rules such as washing your hands, keeping distance and ensuring sufficient fresh air remain important,” Penders continues. “In order to prevent emotional and physical overload, we recommend continuing to closely examine the priorities at the workplace. Working from home, if this is an option, also provides the space. It is important to continue to communicate about the options and measures to prevent absenteeism, which in turn will save a lot of hardship and money.”