nuOct 7, 2026, 09:09

Absence due to mental health issues worsens labor market shortages

Absenteeism due to mental health issues rose by 7.1 percent between 2024 and 2025, even as overall sick leave declined. These long-term absences, particularly prevalent among women, are expected to worsen labor market shortages in the coming years.

A recent report by the absenteeism specialist Acture reveals that leave caused by mental health issues increased by 7.1 percent between 2024 and 2025. This rise is particularly notable given that overall employee absenteeism dropped by 3.4 percent during the same period. Mental health struggles, such as burnout and severe stress, often stem from heavy workloads or personal circumstances like caregiving and financial pressure. Employees suffering from these conditions are staying away from work for longer durations, with the average absence now reaching 77.4 days compared to 70.6 days in 2022.

The data indicates a significant gender gap, as mental health issues account for 28 percent of absenteeism among women compared to 18 percent among men. Because these cases represent long-term absences, experts warn that the trend may worsen the existing labor market shortages in the coming years. Projections suggest that by 2030, mental health-related leave could constitute between 27 and 42 percent of total absenteeism in the Netherlands, further straining the national workforce.

Economy Business Health Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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