Kjeld Aij: 'Healthcare is not struggling with a staff shortage, but with absenteeism'
For years, there has been talk in the Netherlands of a major staff shortage in the healthcare sector. According to Kjeld Aij, a well-known expert in the field, the problem actually lies elsewhere. He argues that it is not so much a shortage of people, but that the sector is struggling with a structural absenteeism problem.
High sickness absence rates are causing many healthcare workers to drop out. When staff are ill for long periods, a gap immediately emerges on the work floor. This forces colleagues to work harder, which in turn can lead to more stress and eventually even more sickness absence. This creates a vicious circle that increases the pressure on healthcare.
According to Aij, healthcare institutions must change their approach to solve this problem. Instead of focusing solely on recruiting new employees, more attention should be paid to retaining current staff. A healthy work environment is essential in keeping employees vital and motivated.
The discussion about the workload in Dutch healthcare remains topical. Aij's position offers a new perspective on a problem that has a significant impact on the quality and accessibility of care in the Netherlands. It remains to be seen whether this vision will lead to different choices in the personnel policies of hospitals and healthcare institutions in the coming period.