Employers often underestimate number of employees with chronic illness, researchers say

Many employers underestimate how many people with chronic illnesses are working at their organizations. More than one in three Dutch employers suffer from a chronic condition, but over three-quarters of the employers estimate that number to be lower within their organization. The findings come from the Collaborative Health Funds, a coalition that includes the Dutch Heart Foundation, KWF Cancer Society, and Lung Foundation.

The study also shows that over a third of workers with chronic conditions do not fully disclose their illness, usually due to concerns about a lack of understanding or potential repercussions.

Collaborative Health Funds director Mark Monsma says that reluctance to discuss chronic conditions often leads to decisions based on assumptions. “Experience shows that open dialogue between managers and employees can unlock far more possibilities than expected. Even relatively minor adjustments can mean the difference between staying at work or going on sick leave.”

Boyd Thijssens, chair of the Dutch Association for Occupational and Company Medicine (NVAB), emphasizes that enabling employees with chronic conditions to stay at work is crucial, especially amid rising staff shortages and an increasing number of chronically ill workers. “Employers carry significant responsibility, not just for humanitarian reasons, but also for their business operations and economic considerations.”

According to the health funds, around 3.5 million Dutch people work with a chronic condition, such as rheumatism, cardiovascular disease, a physical disability, mental health disorders, or diabetes.