Employees

If you are (temporarily) unable to work due to illness or health issues, it is important to receive clarity and the right support as quickly as possible. What should you do, who can you turn to, and what are your rights and obligations? On this page, you can read about what to expect when you report sick, how we will support you, and what role you play in this process. Your health is our priority, and together we will work towards a healthy return to work.

Reporting sick to De Arbodienst

Are you ill or do you have symptoms that affect your work? If so, report this to your employer as soon as possible, in accordance with your organization's absence procedure.

When you call in sick, it is important to indicate how long you expect to be absent, whether you can be reached, and whether it is a work-related injury. You are not required to share medical information. Nor should your employer ask for it.

What can you expect from De Arbodienst?

After reporting sick, you will be assigned a single point of contact at De Arbodienst: your Labor and Health Advisor. They will coordinate the entire process, so you only have to explain your situation once. Together, you will discuss your options and draw up a plan of action that suits you and your work.

With HR and your supervisor, we share only what is truly necessary for your reintegration.

Help with early symptoms

Even if you are not yet ill, you can contact De Arbodienst with questions or concerns about your work and health. Perhaps you are noticing that you are starting to develop symptoms or are experiencing stress.

By raising the alarm in early stages, we can work together to prevent things from getting worse. Our company doctors and advisors provide preventive advice on issues such as work pressure, physical strain, or balancing work and private life.

Rights and duties as an employee

When you get sick, you have both rights and duties. These ensure that you get the right support during your recovery, but also that you actively participate in a healthy return to work.

Your rights

During illness, you can count on the following support and protection:

  • Access to a (company) doctor for personal health questions related to your work.
  • When you call in sick, you do not have to share medical information with your employer.

  • If you are ill, you are entitled to absenteeism support from a professional (company) doctor.

  • You may request a second opinion from another (company) doctor.

  • (Partial) pay during your period of illness.
  • You continue to accrue vacation days even when you are sick.
  • During the first two years of your illness, you cannot be dismissed; you are protected against dismissal.

  • If you are dismissed after two years, you are entitled to a transition payment.

Your duties

In addition to rights, you also have duties, which contribute to a good and fair recovery process. This means that you must:

  • Report sick to your employer on time, according to the rules in your contract, collective bargaining agreement or company regulations.
  • Actively participate in your recovery and reintegration.
  • Keeping appointments with the (company) doctor.
  • You are available for your employer and company doctor.
  • Accepts suitable work, even if it involves different work or a different employer.

  • Participates in the creation and implementation of a reintegration plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

An appointment with the company doctor may be necessary in the event of long-term illness, on the advice of your employer or De Arbodienst, or if you yourself need medical support regarding your work and health.

This depends on the agreements made with your employer. Usually, this is within three working days. That way, you know where you stand quickly.

During your reintegration, you have a number of important obligations as an employee: you must actively cooperate with the agreements made, be available at the agreed times, and accept suitable work if the company doctor recommends it. Failure to do so may result in consequences, such as a wage sanction.

Do you have doubts about the advice given by the company doctor? If so, you may consult another company doctor once. We refer to this as the second opinion arrangement.

If you are sick, you are generally allowed to go on vacation, as long as this does not hinder your recovery or reintegration. Always discuss this with your employer in advance.

Only the company doctor will see your medical information. Any specialists may only view this information with your consent. Your employer will only receive functional information, such as: “can sit for 4 hours.”

Working together for recovery

Being ill has an impact. On your work, your daily life, and sometimes even on how you view the future. De Arbodienst guides you step by step, with an eye for what you need. Not only to return to work, but in a way that suits you. Together, we ensure a sustainable recovery and a healthy return to the workplace.

Preventive consultation

Prevent complaints, choose a preventive consultation