According to a study by the healthy and safety at work advice organisation Mensura, around 40% of employees in Belgium never take time off work through illness. However, around 60% of employees have taken sick leave during the past year and this figure is relatively high compared with other countries. In order to reduce the number of days that people are off work on sick leave Mensura focuses in its study on why people don’t take time off work through illness.
During the past 3 years, the number of people in employment that never take sick leave has fallen. When a person is off work through illness this increases the pressure of work on their colleagues. In turn the increased pressure of work increases the risk of the colleagues falling ill. Mensura’s Bart Teuwen is an expert in the field of sick leave. He says that 4 out of 10 employees never taking sick leave is the lower limit before things begin to become problematic.
In an interview with VRT News Mr Teuwen went on to say "A lot of attention is always given to people that are absent, while it is also important and informative to pay attention to the people that are always there at work"
"Not only health, but also prevention, work culture and motivation play a role. The figures show this. These are factors where an employer can actively make a difference."
Over 45s less likely to report sick
Over-45s in particular never report sick. 41% of employees that are over the age of 45 reported not having had a single day off through illness during the past year. This compares with 34% of younger employees. "Older people drop out less often, but when they do call in sick it is often for a longer period."
There is also a striking difference between men and. women: 41% of men did not take a single day off sick during the past year, while among women this was 32%. "Firstly, this is due to the fact that women often still take on most of the responsibility for childcare. Secondly, they often work in sectors where absenteeism is more prevalent such as education and the caring professions. There you have fewer options to arrange your work around your other commitments. On top of this there are issues related to menopause or pregnancy, for example, also lead to more absenteeism."
Generally speaking, those that work shifts or in physically demanding jobs are less likely to get through the year without taking a day off sick. Meanwhile, those working in the energy and IT sectors are most likely to not take time off sick.
Those who feel good at work, are motivated and are given a degree of autonomy when it comes to managing their work are less likely to take time off sick.
“Mental resilience comes out of this study as an important factor. With regard to this, career opportunities are essential.”