The peak of absenteeism rate as a result of the third Covid-19 wave appears to have been reached in the Netherlands
Now is the time to make agreements about the ideal work situation.
In April 2021, the average absenteeism rate in the Netherlands increased to 4.5%, which was the highest rate since the first Covid-19 wave in March 2020, according to figures of occupational health & safety services HumanCapitalCare and ArboNed, both part of the HumanTotalCare group. Consequently, it appears the peak of the third wave has been reached. The Dutch working force is carefully preparing itself again for organising work after Covid-19. This is the time to make agreements about the ideal mix of working from home and at the office.
Striking increase
The increase in the absenteeism rate to 4.5% in April this year (from 4.3% in February and 4.4% in March) is striking because usually, the absenteeism rate actually decreases during this period of the year. Truus van Amerongen, medical officer and director of medical issues at ArboNed: “This increase is partially caused by the increase in Covid-19 cases among employees. In April, this third wave of Covid-19 cases reached its peak. The absenteeism rate continued to remain lower than usual during this period.”
Covid-19 cases has stabilised in the healthcare sector
Outliers in absenteeism are in healthcare and education. The absenteeism rate in these sectors remains high with an absenteeism rate of 6.1% and 5.2% respectively in April. The good news is that the sick reports related to Covid-19 in the healthcare sector has stabilised and did not continue to rise in April.
Long Covid
Van Amerongen: “Although it seems we have reached the peak, it remains difficult to estimate the long-term effects of Covid-19. A small percentage of people that were infected with Covid-19 continue to suffer from symptoms for longer periods, also known as Long Covid. Guidance for this group needs to be personalised. Fortunately, we are gaining more and more insight in what they need.”
Excellent opportunity for ideal mix
“The Covid-19 pandemic has also caused positive developments,” emphasises Van Amerongen. “A substantial number of employees have found a better balance between work and private life thanks to the binding nature of working from home. Now that we are carefully preparing for partial return to work, we advise employers and employees to make agreements about the ideal mix of working from home and at the office. This differs for everyone and depends on their personal motivation. Therefore, you should leave room for self-management. Don’t go back to square one, but continue to take advantage of the benefits. This situation offers an excellent opportunity to combine the best from the situation prior to Covid-19 with the positive experiences due to Covid-19.”