Healthcare expert: 'It is not the staff shortage, but absenteeism that is the biggest problem'
For years, there has been a cry for help in the Dutch healthcare sector regarding a major shortage of personnel. According to Kjeld Aij, a well-known expert in healthcare, the core of the problem lies elsewhere, however. He argues that the sector is not so much struggling with a lack of people, but primarily with a structural problem surrounding absenteeism.
In many hospitals and healthcare institutions, vacancies remain open for a long time and it is difficult to attract new employees. Aij points out that the focus in the public debate is often on the influx of new staff. He emphasizes, however, that retaining current employees is at least as important to keep the workload manageable.
The high absenteeism rate creates a vicious circle. When employees drop out due to illness or workload, the remaining colleagues have to work harder. This subsequently leads to more fatigue and a higher risk of burnout. According to Aij, the healthcare sector must therefore invest more in the well-being and working conditions of current staff.
The discussion about the future of Dutch healthcare remains topical. While politicians search for solutions to the aging population and the rising demand for care, Aij's vision forces the sector to take a critical look at its own organization. Reducing absenteeism, he believes, could be a crucial step in keeping healthcare in the Netherlands accessible and affordable.