Sick leave cases don’t become complex overnight
Where small gaps turn into real risk
This is for the employer who wants to manage sick leave better
Managing sick leave isn’t just about following the process of the Dutch Gatekeeper Law, it’s about keeping everything aligned while the situation evolves.
(UWV) documentation, communication, and timing all matter.
If one falls behind, the rest usually follows.
Risk = documentation x duration x salary
* Risk refers to the chance of higher costs, longer duration, and issues with UWV (including possible wage sanctions) when things are unclear, delayed, or not properly documented.
How sickness risk can be calculated in daily practise
1
Documentation
what is recorded, agreed, and traceable within mandatory UWV documentation, such as the Plan of Action (Plan van Aanpak), First-Year Evaluation (Eerstejaarsevaluatie), and End Evaluation (Eindejaarsevaluatie), including the consistency and completeness of the file (RIV).
2
Duration
how long the sick leave case continues, influenced by reintegration progress, timely interventions, and alignment between employer, employee, and company doctor
3
Salary
The ongoing financial impact of continued salary payments during sick leave (minimal 70%), including extended obligations in case of delays or UWV wage sanctions.
But documentation isn’t everything
Duration is influenced by:
- Communication → how you communicate with your sick employee and (internal) stakeholders including clarity, consistency, and tone throughout the sick leave process
- Timing of interventions → when and how you involve key parties such as the company doctor (bedrijfsarts), Track 2 reintegration providers, and mediators, in line with Dutch sick leave timelines
- Alignment between stakeholders → the level of consistency between employer, employee, company doctor, and other involved parties in expectations, actions, and documentation
- Clarity of next steps → how clearly actions are defined and followed up according to Dutch labour law and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act (Wet verbetering poortwachter)
How I work – Services
1
Direct case advice (hourly)
Fast, practical advice on specific questions within an ongoing sick leave case. For when you need a clear answer, a second opinion, or direction on what to do next.
Charged at an hourly rate.
2
Training on de-escalation & conflict handling
Practical training on how to communicate during sick leave in the Dutch context, including how to recognise and de-escalate tension in conversations with employees. Focused on clarity, consistency, and keeping conversations constructive and moving forward.
3
Case management & decision-making (short-term project)
Hands-on support in ongoing sick leave cases, focused on improving structure, decision-making, and alignment. Aimed at keeping cases moving forward and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Flat hourly rate.
4
Training on employer rights & obligations
Practical training on employer responsibilities under Dutch labour law and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act (Wet verbetering poortwachter), translated into clear, actionable steps.
Prices
Direct case advice
€ 175,- ex VAT
For hands-on support in more complex or ongoing cases that keep you awake at night.
Ideal for specific questions, second opinions, or deciding on next steps in an ongoing sick leave case.
- Immediate, practical guidance
- No long process
- Focused on what to do next
Short-term project support
€ 95,- ex VAT
For hands-on support in more complex or ongoing cases (casemanager ziekteverzuim)
We agree upfront on scope, approach, and involvement.
- Review of case files and processes
- Support in decision-making and structure
- Alignment across HR, management, and stakeholders
Training & communication
From € 2.500,- ex VAT per session
For teams who want to improve how they handle sick leave cases.
Focused on communication, de-escalation, and working within Dutch legislation.
De-escalation of difficult conversations
Practical, real-case based training
Communication during sick leave
Rights and obligations (Wet verbetering poortwachter
Monday – Friday 9:00–17:00 uur
Landjonker 68, 3834 CR, Leusden
Chamber of Commerce: 97381012
The Case Clarity - by Kirsten Freichmann 