How much does a sick employee cost per day?
Sickness absence costs more than you think. In this blog, we explain the costs involved, how you as an employer can strategically manage absenteeism reduction, and why rapid psychological support without waiting times makes a difference.
💸 Direct and indirect costs of sickness absence
The average cost of a sick employee ranges from €250 to €400 per day. This amount is made up of:
- Wage costs (you often continue to pay 70–100%)
- Loss of productivity (among colleagues and in team output)
- Replacement costs (temporary staff, overtime)
- Absence management (HR, occupational health service)
- Loss of expertise and customer satisfaction
For an employee with mental health issues, the period of absence often extends to 80–100 days. With an average absence cost of €300 per day, this quickly amounts to between €24,000 and €30,000 per case.
🧠 Mental health-related absenteeism: on the rise and costly
Mental health issues (such as stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression) have become the leading cause of long-term absenteeism—this at a time when waiting times for mainstream mental healthcare often range from 4 to 10 months.
Rapid intervention is essential to prevent escalation.
At Werknemerszorg.nl, employees can see an experienced psychologist without a waiting period, with care tailored to both their personal situation and their organizational context.
🤝 Why do employers choose external psychological support?
Employers who work with an external psychologist, such as Werknemerszorg.nl, cite these benefits:
- No waiting times: first consultation within 10 working days
- Experienced healthcare psychologists: BIG-registered, with knowledge of the work context.
- Insight into both work-related and personal factors during the intake
- Targeted treatment plan focusing on sustainable recovery
- Transparent process and feedback (in line with GDPR)
Calculation example: costs versus investment
Situation
|
Without intervention |
|
With prompt assistance |
|
Saving |
Duration of absence
|
90 days |
|
40 days |
|
50 days |
Costs (average)
|
€27.000 |
|
€12.000 |
|
€15.000 |
The costs for a short course of treatment average between €1,500 and €3,000. The ROI is therefore clear.
🎯 What can you do as an employer?
- Calculate your absenteeism costs based on absenteeism data and average daily rates.
- Map out absenteeism due to psychological issues: look for warning signs and patterns of recurrence.
- Invest in rapid assistance: not only after week 6, but as soon as there are signs.
- Choose a partner with no waiting times and proven results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sick employee cost per day?
An average of €250–€400 per day, depending on salary level and additional costs such as replacement and loss of productivity.
What are the biggest cost components associated with mental health-related absenteeism?
Continued wage payments, loss of productivity, and longer treatment processes.
How quickly can my employee see a psychologist through Werknemerszorg.nl?
Within 10 working days, without a referral or waiting period.
How do I know if a psychologist is a good fit for my organization?
We ensure a suitable match based on your industry and the type of issue.
📞 Need to act quickly? Contact us!
Do you want to know how Werknemerszorg.nl can help your organization reduce absenteeism costs and accelerate recovery?
👇🏼 Schedule a non-binding consultation directly!