Post-Carnival sick leave surges in the Netherlands, costing employers millions

Sick leave reports are set to rise sharply in the Netherlands after this year's Carnival cruise celebrations. The biggest jump is expected in North Brabant, where notifications have doubled since 2025. Employers in Carnival-heavy regions face higher costs as absences climb by an average of 37 percent in the week following the event.

Arbo Unie has warned of a significant increase in sick leave across Limburg, North Brabant, and Zeeland. These provinces traditionally see a surge in absences after Carnival. In 2025, North Brabant experienced the most dramatic rise, with reports doubling compared to previous years.

Of those calling in sick, 27 percent stay off work for two to three days. Another 10 percent remain absent for up to a week. Each day of absence costs employers between €250 and €405 per employee.

Meanwhile, Gelderland, Drenthe, and Overijssel also report higher absence rates, though not as steep. In contrast, provinces where Carnival is less popular actually see a drop in sick leave during the same period.

No specific data exists on the average number of employees absent in Limburg, Noord-Brabant, or Zeeland following Carnival 2024. However, the trend of increased post-Carnival sick leave remains consistent in these regions.

The spike in absences places financial strain on businesses in Carnival-heavy areas. With each sick day costing hundreds of euros, the economic impact is noticeable. Employers in these regions will need to prepare for higher-than-usual staff shortages in the coming days.