Stress-Related Absence Still on the Rise
New figures from ArboNed and HumanCapitalCare show that stress-related absenteeism in the Netherlands continues to climb. Between July 2024 and June 2025, sick leave due to stress increased by 8%, bringing the total rise over the past five years to 36%. On average, employees who take leave for stress are out of work for 252 days, and in the case of burnout this can stretch to 10 months.
The overall absence rate reached 4.8% in the same period, with the healthcare, industry, and transport & logistics sectors most affected. While only about 10% of cases last longer than six weeks, this small group accounts for 81% of all absence days. Stress-related complaints are the single biggest contributor.
One in four absence days is now linked to stress, putting growing pressure on employees, employers, and the wider social system. According to HumanCapitalCare’s Chief Medical Officer, Iris Homeijer, the number of people unable to work is expected to rise further in the coming years. Small businesses in particular face mounting challenges, while larger organizations report increasing strain on teams and rising costs for replacement and reintegration.
The causes of stress are diverse and complex—ranging from workload and personal circumstances to broader societal factors like the “always-on” digital culture, labor shortages, and uncertainty in the job market. Stress-related absence is highest in healthcare, higher among women than men (31% vs. 20%), and more prevalent among part-timers than full-timers (28% vs. 24%).
Homeijer stresses that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Tackling stress requires tailored approaches, early detection, and stronger collaboration. Employers can play a key role by offering flexibility, supporting professional help, and using preventive tools such as risk assessments (RI&E) and medical checks (PMO). Employees also need to speak up early to avoid escalation. Access to occupational physicians or psychologists at an early stage can prevent both suffering and high costs.
Finally, women’s health deserves more attention in the workplace. Research by CBS and TNO shows that more than a third of women conceal hormonal complaints at work, often continuing to push through despite reduced wellbeing and productivity. Making these issues more discussable—whether at work or through preventive consultations—can make a big difference for sustainable employability.
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