Flu epidemic leads to highest absenteeism since mid-Covid pandemic

In January, 85 out of every 1,000 employees called in sick, most with flu-like symptoms. That is the highest absenteeism in four years, since the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, AD reported based on figures from the occupational health and safety services ArboNed and HumanCapitalCare.

In December 2024, the Netherlands still had the lowest absenteeism in four years with 52 out of every 1,000 employees calling in sick. In January, the RIVM officially declared a flu epidemic and that clearly showed in the sharp rise in absenteeism.

“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,” said Iris Homeijer of HumanCapitalCare. Most people with flu symptoms return to work after seven days.

The health and safety services warned employers to not put too much pressure on healthy workers while they’re understaffed during the epidemic. “It is important to look together at which activities can be postponed. This prevents employees from being overloaded and ensures the continuity of the company,” Homeijer said.

Employers can also protect working employees from falling ill by following the protocol everyone got used to during the coronavirus pandemic - maintain a distance, wash your hands regularly, and ventilate rooms well.

The high level of absenteeism is still in line with seasonal trends. The number of sick employees also seemed to be decreasing again from the first week of February, but it is too soon to say whether this will continue. In past years, the occupational health and safety services saw flu absenteeism peak in February or March.