Absence of healthcare personnel decreases for fifth consecutive quarter

In the first quarter of 2024, the absenteeism rate stands at 8.53 percent, a decrease of 3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2023, when it was 8.76 percent. (see attachment 1)

These figures are based on data from research firm Vernet. The rolling absenteeism rate, which illustrates the structural development of absenteeism, stands at 7.69 percent. A year earlier, it was 8.10 percent, marking a 5 percent decrease. The decline in absenteeism is observed across all age groups.

However, the rise in long-term absenteeism, absenteeism lasting more than 365 days, has not yet ceased. This percentage increased from 2.01 to 2.07, indicating a 3 percent rise. (see attachment 2)

"It's incredibly gratifying to bring good news for the fifth time in a row," said Danijela Budimir, Chief Operating Officer of Vernet. "As indicated, we must still note a caveat with the figures, as long-term absenteeism is on the rise. While Vernet does not register causes, we do hear reports from the market indicating that this is mainly caused by psychological absenteeism. Recent research also shows that psychological healthcare utilization has been increasing among healthcare workers for years."

Further Analysis and Inspiration
Previous absenteeism analyses are published on our website www.vernet.nl. Besides providing insight into absenteeism, Vernet aims to help the sector further reduce absenteeism. This includes hospitals, mental health institutions, disability care, and nursing, care, and home care. In total, approximately 960 thousand people work in these four sectors. Based on conversations with the best-performing organizations with low absenteeism, Vernet has gathered concrete tips. Additionally, inspiration is shared through webinars. We share tips and ideas via www.vernet.nl/inspiratie.

Coöperation Vernet PGGM PFZW
Vernet's services are a joint effort of PGGM and the Healthcare and Welfare Pension Fund (PFZW) to support employers in the healthcare and welfare sector with labor market data, complementing existing pension services. Employers use this data to address staff shortages in the healthcare and welfare sector. Since the onset of the Covid pandemic, Vernet and PFZW have also been collecting monthly figures providing regional and national insights into absenteeism trends and current staff turnover in the sector. This data is available on the website https://inzetzorg.arbeidsmarktinbeeld.nl/inzetzorg-landelijk-dashboard?sectionId=5486.

About Vernet
Since 1996, research firm and knowledge network Vernet has been the market leader in collecting, benchmarking, and interpreting HR and absenteeism data in the Dutch healthcare sector. With insightful data, Vernet aims to help employers in individual healthcare branches enhance the employability of their staff. Vernet serves around four hundred healthcare organizations with 623 thousand employees. Vernet is a 100% subsidiary of pension administration organization PGGM. Vernet's services align with PGGM and PFZW's ambition to support employers and employees in the healthcare and welfare sector. Primarily, this involves providing adequate pension provisions but also deploying expertise in labor market data. The calculation of industry figures is made possible in part by labor market funds for the healthcare sector. www.vernet.nl