A recent study by HR services company Acerta has revealed a positive trend in employee attendance in Belgium in 2023. The study found that employees worked an average of 83.3 percent of the time, equivalent to 208 days per year for a full-time employee. This attendance rate represents an increase of 0.8 percentage points from 2022 and is the highest recorded figure in the past five years.
The study considered absences due to sick leave, temporary unemployment, career breaks, and holidays. Sickness absence remained the primary reason for employees being absent from work, with an average of 7.9 percent of working hours (equivalent to around 20 days in a working year) lost due to illness in 2023.
Interestingly, absenteeism due to illness was found to be higher in larger companies compared to smaller ones. Companies with more than 500 employees reported an absence rate of 9.9 percent, which is double that of the smallest employers at 5 percent. Dirk Vanderhoydonck from Acerta Consult highlighted the importance of reducing absenteeism due to illness as it significantly impacts productivity.
According to Vanderhoydonck, “Absenteeism due to illness can lead to decreased productivity levels and increased costs for organizations, especially during labor shortages.” He emphasized the need for companies to address this issue and minimize sickness absence.
Overall, the study’s findings suggest that employee attendance in Belgium is on a positive trajectory in 2023. However, efforts should still be made by companies to reduce sickness absence as it remains a significant concern for organizations aiming to enhance their productivity levels.
Efforts by companies could include implementing effective absentee management programs or providing incentives for employees who maintain high attendance rates throughout the year. By doing so, companies can maximize their workforce availability and efficiency while ensuring that their employees are healthy and productive when they are at work.