The Higher Council of Employment (CSE) in Belgium has issued a set of recommendations to address a sharp rise in the number of people unable to work due to ill health.
The recommendations come in a report, released on Thursday, that highlights the increase in the number of individuals unable to work, which rose by 150% over the last 20 years. By 2021, the figure had reached 456,000, the CSE says.
The Council attributes this increase to an ageing workforce, and the larger number of women entering the job market.
Women make up over 60% of incapacitated workers
Whereas the number of long-term incapacitated women was 50% less in 1990, their numbers soared at the start of the new millennium. Women now account for over 60% of incapacitated workers.
This trend is largely due to a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses among women, their prominent role in domestic tasks, and longer careers, according to the CSE. Until 1997, women could retire at 60, but this age limit has gradually increased to 65, thus contributing to the rise in the number of incapacitated older female workers.
The study provides a comprehensive outlook on incapacity in Belgium. More than half of incapacity cases last under six months, whereas 20% last up to one year, and 18% up to two years.
Mental health disorders account for the most cases
The causes of such absences are mainly mental health conditions, which account for 37% of cases, with depression and burnouts being the major culprits. Musculoskeletal disorders are in second place, accounting for 32% of cases.
The problem disproportionately affects sectors employing low-skilled workers and those with precarious working conditions. These include the logistics, security, housekeeping, home-help and senior-care sectors.
While steps have been taken in recent years to reintegrate sick workers, participation in these programmes has yet to result in a measurable uptick in returning employees. The likelihood of incapacity lasting longer than a year has remained stable at around 20%, the report notes.
Workforce reintegration measures taken too late, CSE says
The CSE believes the issue stems from reintegrative measures being taken too late, often resulting in an irreparable disconnect between the worker and active life.
Steven Vanackere, Vice President of the CSE, advocates open dialogue between employers and incapacitated employees about returning to work.
To reverse the trend and increase employment in Belgium, the CSE makes several recommendations, including increased preventative efforts, for which spending in Belgium is abnormally low.
The CSE also stresses that employers need to be proactive in reintegrating employees. It recommends sector-specific initiatives and incentives for companies implementing robust preventative policies.
Strengthen the role of doctors, occupational medicine, Council urges
The council also recommends recognising partial incapacity, and strengthening the role of primary care physicians and occupational medicine.
It further emphasises the importance of undertaking reintegrative efforts as soon as possible, including mandatory participation in work reintegration instruments, depending on the state of the worker's health.
Finally, the Council suggests making the gradual transition from partial to full reemployment more financially attractive. It contends that the current compensation mechanisms do not provide sufficient encouragement for partially incapacitated workers to fully rejoin the workforce.
