Quarter of Belgians always go to work, even when they are ill

Eight out of ten Belgians (82 per cent) are prepared to do at least something for work when they are ill. 81 per cent say they have “gone to work whilst ill at some point”. More than a quarter – 27 per cent – say they always go to work, because otherwise the work would not get done. In 2024, that figure was just 4 per cent.

Illness or being unable to work is by no means always a black-and-white issue, says Mensura in a press release. “Depending on the job and the type of illness, it is sometimes still possible to do a little work. The employer can make this easier by introducing support measures such as an adjusted timetable, the option to work from home or a different set of tasks.”

Increasingly employees seem to be open to this. 34 per cent say they are willing to continue working, provided it does not hinder their further recovery. The main motivation for this is that “they want to feel useful”.

Need for dialogue with employers

That high level of willingness may also have a downside, says Mensura. “The risk of presenteeism – going to work despite being ill due to internal or external pressure – is ever-present.”

The wellbeing and prevention service identifies dialogue between employer and employee as a crucial link in this regard. However, the research raises a few red flags in this respect. Although employees generally (67 per cent) feel quite comfortable discussing health and wellbeing with their line manager, mental health issues remain a taboo subject. Only 12 per cent of employees are able or willing to discuss these issues, a fall of 12 percentage points compared with 2024, according to Mensura.