More than half of Belgian employees reported sick at least once in 2024, with a record number of one in six being absent at least three times, according to figures from HR service provider Securex on Friday.
In 2024, Belgian employees were absent from work due to illness an average of 1.36 times – an increase of one-fifth compared to the pre-pandemic period.
The number of frequently absent people increased in particular: for example, 17.4% of Belgian employees were absent three or more times in 2024 – an increase of 8.5% compared to 2023, and by almost 36% when looking at 2019.
It also appears that since one-day sick notes are no longer needed, the number of short-term absences has increased. Since the measure was introduced in November 2022, the number has increased by 44%. In large companies, the increase is even 62%.
"With the abolition of the sick note, it becomes easier for employees to decide for themselves when they are unable to work for a day," said Stephanie Heurterre, senior HR consultant at Securex. "This means that more employees are absent for a short period."
"Companies are therefore more often confronted with unexpected sick leave, which of course has an impact on personnel planning and puts pressure on colleagues who have to take over work."
The Securex study is based on a sample of 22,965 employers and 192,747 employees.
