Sustainable employability
In the first quarter of 2024, the absenteeism rate was 5.5% according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In 1 out of 5 reports of absence, the cause is (partially) attributable to work and excessive work pressure. However, it is desirable to prevent employees from being absent long-term. We call this ‘sustainable employability’, where the focus is on stimulating a positive work culture. Would you like to learn more about this? Please read our article.
What is sustainable employability?
Sustainable employability plays a vital role in maintaining healthy and productive employees. It means that a company encourages a positive work and learning culture. In this way, the needs and circumstances of the staff are taken into account. This increases employee satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, staff are better equipped to handle changes within the labour market, their careers, and the organisation.
Why is sustainable employability important?
Sustainable employability is important because it improves the health of employees. People feel better both physically and mentally. Staff enjoy their work and are more engaged with the organisation. Moreover, employees are more resilient to stress. Consequently, the number of burnouts is lower within companies that focus on sustainable employability.
Examples of sustainable employability
How a company approaches sustainable employability depends, among other things, on the sector. For instance, physical health is important in a sector involving heavy physical labour. The construction industry is a prime example of this. Within companies where staff spend a lot of time sitting, such as offices, the focus is instead much more on movement. For example, an increasing number of offices feature meeting rooms where it is possible to stand instead of sit, or employers who offer a gym membership. Healthy nutrition is also important. An organisation can, for instance, encourage a healthy diet by offering an organic menu with vegetables, fruit, and salads instead of snacks.
Sustainable employability subsidy
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has made funds available for sustainable employability. ‘Sustainable Employability of Companies and Early Retirement (MDIEU)’ is a scheme that stimulates a healthy and productive working environment. The total subsidy amount is 964 million euros and covers the period from 2021 to 2025.
Vitality and sustainable employability
Vitality and sustainable employability go hand in hand. For instance, the risk of accidents and/or injuries is lower among happy and healthy staff. The risk of burnout and depression also decreases significantly. A pleasant workplace makes continuing to work after retirement more attractive. Employees enjoy taking on new challenges and generally feel more connected to society. In that respect, sustainable employability brings nothing but benefits.
GJ believes in the power of prevention
That is why GJ has several partners to optimally support your employees in their recovery, but also specifically to prevent absenteeism.
We support your employees in preventing and managing stress-related complaints together with our partner JPT. The offering includes coaching at a location of your choice, bars sessions, mindfulness, breathwork training, cryotherapy, and more. The bespoke programme is designed to promote the health and productivity of your employees. Read more in our flyer!
In addition, we strive to jointly reduce and shorten absenteeism processes by providing direct, tailor-made guidance for physical and mental complaints. The collaboration with AdFysio is an important step in the absenteeism approach of our certified occupational health service and enables us to support our clients even better at a local level.
Please feel free to contact us for more information via sales@gjgroep.nl or 0174-281981 (select option 1 and then 3 in the menu).
