A recent study by Mensura has revealed that nearly four in ten Belgian workers do not take a single sick day throughout the year.
The research, which was reported by De Tijd, provides a detailed look into the country’s absenteeism trends, highlighting significant differences across age, gender, and job type.
According to the findings, 40.8% of individuals over the age of 45 refrain from taking any sick leave, a figure that is notably higher than the 33.5% of younger employees under 45 who report zero absenteeism.
Absence expert Bart Teuwen from Mensura suggests that the difference may be due to the different life stages of these workers.
Younger employees, who may have young children or be heavily involved in sports activities, are more likely to report sick, albeit for shorter durations.
The study also draws attention to the role of job type in absenteeism patterns. Workers with flexible and autonomous jobs are less likely to report sick. This trend is particularly visible among executives, who have the highest rate of zero absenteeism at 51.2%.
Office workers follow with 37.2%, while those in physically demanding roles are more prone to taking sick leave. Only 30.3% of manual laborers reported zero absenteeism, with the physical nature of their work likely contributing to higher rates of illness or injury.
The study also uncovers a gender disparity in sick leave habits. While 41.1% of men did not take any sick leave, only 32.1% of women managed to avoid absenteeism.
Teuwen attributes this gap to women-specific health issues, as well as the fact that women are more likely to work in sectors with higher absenteeism rates, such as healthcare and education.
These industries often involve physically demanding tasks or higher emotional stress, both of which can contribute to greater absenteeism.
Teuwen further suggests that the increase in remote working and flexible working hours might explain some of the decline in overall absenteeism.
Workers in jobs that allow them more autonomy may feel less compelled to report minor illnesses, especially if they are able to work from home or adjust their schedules.
In contrast, employees in manual labor and healthcare positions, where physical presence is crucial, are more likely to take sick leave when faced with illness or injury.
While the study highlights that a significant proportion of Belgian workers are diligent about attending work, it also points to the complexities behind absenteeism.
Factors such as age, gender, job type, and work flexibility play significant roles in whether or not employees take sick leave.
With an increasing number of companies offering remote work options, it will be interesting to observe how absenteeism trends evolve in the coming years.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the diverse factors influencing sick leave in Belgium and suggests that future policies aimed at improving worker health should take into account these nuances, ensuring that all employees, regardless of age or sector, have access to support when needed.
