Dutch employers pressuring sick workers to return amid flu surge

Dutch employers are pressuring sick workers to return to their jobs quickly, even as a severe flu wave spreads across the country, according to a CNV union survey.

The poll of 2,000 workers found that 20 percent of employees feel pressured by their bosses to return to work shortly after calling in sick. Some receive calls on their first day of illness, while 16 percent report direct coercion to resume work quickly.

"Doctors advise taking time to recover, but many workers aren’t granted that," CNV chairman Piet Fortuin said. He warned that rushing recovery increases the risk of prolonged illness and workplace infections.

Employees also struggle to call in sick due to high workloads. One in five avoids reporting illness, while over a third continues working despite being unwell. "We’re not just facing a flu wave but also a shame wave," Fortuin said, noting the long-term risk of burnout.

While employers reportedly face staffing shortages, CNV argues that pushing workers back too soon is counterproductive. "Eighty-four percent already want to return as soon as possible. Pressuring them is unnecessary and harmful," Fortuin said.