The health of Belgian workers is steadily declining, particularly among manual labourers, according to a report which stresses the importance of preventative measures.
Human resources firm Attentia released on Wednesday analysis of workplace health check-ups of over 137,000 workers in 2024. It reveals that 64% were overweight and 24% were obese, an increase from 2023 figures of 63% and 23%, respectively. Hypertension is also on the rise, affecting nearly one in four workers (23%) in 2024.
Lack of physical activity remains a significant issue, with 41% of respondents engaging in no sports or less than half an hour of exercise per week. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption rates have not declined.
Work-related stress has slightly decreased but remains a concern, with 41% of workers experiencing moderate stress and 11% reporting high stress levels.
Due to the physically demanding nature of their jobs, manual labourers are twice as likely to take long-term sick leave compared to office employees.
As the new federal government plans stricter measures to combat long-term work incapacity, Attentia emphasises the critical need for a proactive and preventive approach to reduce workplace absenteeism.
