Figures from Dutch occupational health and safety companies have revealed that January sick leave rates among the working population in the Netherlands reached a four-year high, matching the rate seen when the country was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dutch sick leave rates spike in January

According to ArboNed and HumanCapitalCare, 85 per 1.000 workers in the Netherlands reported sick in January this year. Compared with December’s rates which were the lowest in four years (52 per 1.000) this is a significant increase.

With the Dutch Health Institute (RIVM) announcing an epidemic in the same month, the flu is most likely to blame. In fact, during this time the number of flu cases reached the highest level since 2020. "Although short-term absenteeism due to flu-like symptoms is always higher in the winter months, this year we are seeing the largest increase in one month in four years," Iris Homeijer, company doctor and director of medical affairs at HumanCapitalCare, told AD.

High levels of absenteeism put pressure on healthy employees

While most people who are off sick return to work after just seven days, when several employees take sick leave at the same time it can put pressure on healthy workers. "It is therefore important to take preventive measures, such as keeping distance, washing hands more often and ventilating rooms well," said Homeijer. 

Occupational physicians also warn employers to not overwork employees who are not ill. "In the event of understaffing, it is important to look together at which activities can be postponed. This prevents employees from becoming overloaded and guarantees the continuity of the company."

Using the runny nose protocol in Dutch workplaces

Research by the Dutch trade union CNV showed that one in five employees are pressured into returning to work quickly after illness, but Homeijer does not see this reflected in her encounters. "My experience is that many employees are given the time and trust by their employers to recover well. This also yields benefits in the long term. When someone returns too quickly, this increases the chance of infecting colleagues and can possibly even lead to longer absence."

Instead what she sees is that many workplaces use the “runny nose protocol” where people with flu-like symptoms work from home if they’re able. "I see this as a positive development, in which the emphasis is on what someone can still do while taking the health of others into account," said Homeijer.