Burnout, stress pushing more Dutch workers into long-term sick leave averaging 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. That figure has been on headed upwards during the first three quarters of the year, continuing a recent trend. Last year, it was 27 days, and three years ago, it was 24 days, according to AD.

Even though cold and flu cases could soon see a seasonal surge, the rise in long-term absenteeism is linked to more workers with issues like burnout, stress-related symptoms, and psychological complaints. "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 told the newspaper the issue is not just a greater acknowledgement of psychological issues in general, citing the increased strain people face in modern society. "We have to do so much these days. We have to exercise enough, relax, and eat healthily."

Overall, the total number of sick reports has returned to normal levels after Covid-era peaks. In 2022, 467,953 reports were recorded; in 2024, 371,000. The RIVM, the country's public health institute, said the recent respiratory complaints are typical for this season.

Employees aged 25 to 35 report sick most frequently, making up 27 percent of all reports, followed by 35- to 45-year-olds at 23 percent. Workers 25 and younger account for 9 percent.

"It makes sense that 25- to 35-year-olds are sick more often. These are young families with children in daycare or school who bring home infections. Their busy schedules also contribute," Roelen said.

“Everyone gradually catches a cold, develops a fever, and gets headaches. These symptoms are part of a respiratory infection. We call it the flu, but real influenza caused by the influenza virus is no longer as common,” Roelen told the newspaper.

Dry indoor air from heating accelerates infection spread. “It’s not about the humidity in water droplets but the dry air that weakens the mucous membranes and reduces natural defenses,” Roelen added.