Netherlands Sees Record Rise in Long-Term Sick Leave, Driven by Burnout and Stress
Long-term sick leave in the Netherlands has reached a new high, with workers now taking an average of 28 consecutive days off, primarily due to burnout and stress, signaling a growing concern for employee wellbeing and potential economic impacts.
Data reveals a consistent increase in the duration of sick leave over the past three years, rising from an average of 24 days three years ago to 27 days in 2024, and now 28 days so far this year. “If this continues, we’ll be at two months in 10 years,” warned Corné Roelen, a doctor and professor of occupational medicine. While sick leave reports spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic – reaching 467,953 in 2022 – they have since normalized to 371,000 in 2024, with a recent shift away from cold and flu related absences.
The primary driver of the extended absences is no longer typical illness, but rather psychological issues like burnout and stress, attributed to the increasing demands placed on individuals in modern society. Roelen explained, “We have to do so much these days. We have to exercise enough, relax, and eat healthily.” Employees aged 25 to 35 are reporting sick most frequently, accounting for 27 percent of all sick leave, followed by those aged 35 to 45 at 23 percent; younger workers under 25 represent only 9 percent of reported absences. Understanding working conditions is crucial for addressing these trends.
Roelen advises individuals feeling overwhelmed to prioritize their wellbeing and establish boundaries, suggesting simple steps like taking control of their workload and disconnecting from work outside of designated hours. The Netherlands’ national statistics agency, CBS, regularly publishes data on health and wellbeing which may offer further insight into these trends. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and assess potential interventions to support employee health.
