Work pressure in healthcare is increasing due to the departure of self-employed workers

Healthcare workers are facing increasing workloads as the government takes stricter action against bogus self-employment. Because fewer people are allowed to work as freelancers due to new regulations surrounding bogus self-employment, the work has to be done with fewer people.

Researchers from ING Research warn that this could lead to even longer waiting times for patients.

As in other sectors, healthcare providers may only work as self-employed professionals if they are fully independent . Otherwise, they must be employed. According to ING, departing freelancers have left a gap that has only been partially filled so far. As a result, permanent employees are having to provide more care in fewer hours.

A survey by the CNV trade union among 550 healthcare workers shows that 59 percent are experiencing scheduling problems more frequently due to the departure of freelancers. More than half also feel increased workload . The CNV emphasizes that the consequences fall almost entirely on permanent employees, who are often already working at their limit. According to the union, employers have missed opportunities to make permanent contracts more attractive, for example, through improved working conditions or flexible working hours.

ING calculated that last year, almost one in ten healthcare workers was self-employed. That share has doubled over the past ten years, but is now declining again. Many self-employed workers, especially in home care, are leaving. Around 10,000 self-employed workers are considering leaving healthcare altogether.

Healthcare institutions are trying to alleviate the pressure by increasingly using technology. For example, patients are being monitored remotely, so a doctor's visit isn't always necessary. Informal caregivers are also playing a greater role in supporting healthcare staff.

The combination of stricter policies against bogus self-employment, the departure of freelancers, and high workloads shows that the healthcare sector faces major challenges, according to ING researchers.

Without additional measures, waiting times for patients are likely to increase further and the pressure on permanent staff will become even greater.