Long-term Sick Leave on the Rise in the Netherlands
The average period of leave taken by workers in the Netherlands who are in poor health has risen to 28 days, according to occupational health and safety firm Arbo Unie.
This figure has been increasing over the first three quarters of the year, continuing a recent trend. For comparison, last year it was 27 days, and three years ago, it was 24 days.
The rise in long-term absenteeism is linked to more workers experiencing issues like burnout, stress-related symptoms, and psychological complaints, rather than just cold and flu cases.
"If this continues, we'll be at two months in ten years,"
said Corné Roelen, an Arbo Unie company doctor and a professor of occupational medicine. Roelen attributes the issue to the increased strain people face in modern society, where
"We have to do so much these days. We have to exercise enough, relax, and eat healthily."
Author's summary: Dutch workers take longer sick leaves due to burnout and stress.
- Average sick leave: 28 days
- Previous year: 27 days
- Three years ago: 24 days
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