Absenteeism & Growth - 2 crucial factors

Absenteeism rises due to growth

Absenteeism falls when the economy is bad. Workers are less likely to call in sick, for fear of losing their jobs. In the year 2000, the year the economic crisis hit, the rate was 5.5% and in 2014 it was only 3.8%. The increasing workload can also be cited as a reason. The decline for absenteeism seems like a favorable situation for employers, but when the economy picks up, the opposite appears. For example, the number of mental health complaints increased by 25% in 2014. It becomes visible that the economic crisis has had a huge impact on staff in addition to business.

Research shows that in times of economic growth, absenteeism due to illness increases by at least 0.25%. Employment is picking up, reducing fears of unemployment. As a result, employees are more likely to report sick and for longer periods. In 2014, absenteeism due to illness rose by 1% and the duration of absenteeism increased by five days.

Cause increase in absenteeism?

The answer to this question is: work stress. This is evident from an analysis by ArboNed shows that employees are currently experiencing more stress than in previous years. Increased work pressure and temporary contracts are cited as the main causes. Absenteeism due to work-related stress was eight times higher last year than in 2009. Young people under the age of 25 in particular report suffering more from work-related stress.

It is therefore expected that psychological absenteeism in this target group will increase in the coming years. To counteract this increase, it is important that employers conduct Preventive Medical Examination (PMO). A PMO that assesses both physical and psychological health. Psychological complaints are more difficult to remedy than physical complaints, which means that absenteeism lasts longer and the costs for the employer will be even higher.

Create awareness

Thus, to ensure quality during economic growth, investment in employee health is desperately needed. Attention to health creates employee satisfaction, leads to greater insight into one's own company and more openness on the part of staff. Engage in conversations with each employee, thereby strengthening personal contact. It is important to understand what is going on in the employee's mind. There is a greater chance that mental health problems will be detected in a timely manner and thus the chance of recovery.