The municipality is launching an intensive initiative to structurally reduce high absenteeism, with Mayor Halsema and Alderman Van Buren announcing a multi-year plan to address the issue. In 2023, an average of 9.7% of employees were absent due to illness, significantly exceeding the national municipal average of 6.7%. The goal is to lower this figure to 6.7% by 2030. To achieve this, €9 million will be allocated this year, followed by €8 million annually until 2030. The focus will be on 17 departments with absenteeism rates of 8% or higher, which account for approximately 60% of all civil servants and 70% of total absenteeism. The approach will target leadership, social safety, and organizational structure, including task clarification and leadership training, alongside ongoing efforts in manager training and increased support from absenteeism advisors.