Average Sick Leave in the Netherlands Reaches 28 Days
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. In 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 they have to balance multiple responsibilities such as exercising enough, relaxing, and eating healthily.
- Average sick leave: 28 days
- Last year: 27 days
- Three years ago: 24 days
Author's summary: Dutch workers' average sick leave rises to 28 days due to burnout and stress.