Vacancies, absenteeism and holidays: the workplace squeaks and creaks | NOW

Every summer it is a matter of adjusting and measuring to get work schedules around, but this year a lot coincides. We are dealing with a record number of vacancies, absenteeism due to illness has been above average for months and a large part of the country is now also on holiday. The great danger is that the workload for people who are there is too high, so that they also drop out and the gaps only get bigger.

“Where it hurts now, is where the work pressure is already high and people make use of their right to take vacation days,” says Jannes van der Velde of employers’ association AWVN. “That causes the workload to rise further and as a result, the service can be reduced.”

Having to order your drink at the bar on the terrace itself is an example of this. “That was unthinkable in the past,” says Rob Hoedeman, occupational health physician at Mensely and an expert in the field of psychological absenteeism. According to him, in these times we also have to look for pragmatic solutions of this kind.

“Like hybrid work where possible. That is efficient. We have to let go of the old standards, because that is necessary this summer.” Many shops choose to limit opening hours, cafes and restaurants are open less often, hotels make fewer rooms available. A company like NS allows fewer trains to run, Schiphol allows fewer passengers to travel per day.

Let employees determine their own schedule

Closing the doors completely is also an option in some sectors. “Some factories choose to close completely for a few weeks,” says Van der Velde of the AWVN.

The construction sector is a classic example with the collective construction sector. “In that case, it is nice if everyone goes on holiday at the same time. People with school-age children also want to leave during the same period and that makes sense.”

The UWV also recognizes the problems of extreme tightness in the workplace. According to the benefits agency, which keeps numbers on the number of vacancies and unemployed, the labor market is only getting tighter and tighter. And she also sees signs that the workload is increasing further among those who are at work.

That means companies have to make choices. “You have to look at what can and cannot be influenced,” says company doctor Hoedeman. “And set priorities.”

Both AWVN and Hoedeman are in favor of letting people determine their own schedule as far as possible. “That relieves the pressure because you can organize your own time more. And then I think we can get through this summer too.”

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