Dutch workplace stress surges 43%—why women bear the heaviest burden

Workplace stress continues to rise sharply in the Netherlands, with one in four absences now linked to stress-related issues. Over the past five years, sick days caused by stress have jumped by 43 percent, hitting women disproportionately harder than men. Despite existing legal measures, the problem shows no signs of easing, as financial pressures, caregiving duties, and heavy workloads add to the strain. Since 2020, Dutch employers have operated under the Gatekeeper Improvement Act, which requires them to pay at least 70 percent of wages for up to two years during stress-related absences. They must also carry out risk assessments (RI&E), create structured reintegration plans, and involve occupational health services for prevention. Yet these measures have not led to significant improvements.

Heavy workloads remain the leading cause of workplace stress. Domestic caregiving responsibilities and financial struggles further deepen the issue, particularly for women. Recent data from 2025 shows that women aged 25 and older report sick more often and stay home longer than men in the same age bracket. On average, women lose twice as much working time to stress-related absences compared to their male colleagues. No new laws targeting stress reduction have been introduced since 2020. Instead, companies now focus on psychological interventions within 48 hours of an absence and treat stress-related sick leave as part of a broader well-being strategy. While the World Health Organization's 2026 guidelines suggest flexible work models and better stress management, these recommendations are not specific to the Netherlands.

The gap between men and women in stress-related absences has widened in recent years. With no major policy shifts on the horizon, employers and occupational health services continue to rely on existing frameworks. The persistence of heavy workloads, financial pressures, and caregiving demands means workplace stress remains a stubborn challenge—especially for women juggling multiple responsibilities.