Best Absence Management Software in the Netherlands
Objective criteria for choosing absence management software: the Dutch Gatekeeper Act, occupational health integration, privacy and cost. Providers that fit come forward on your request.
Absence software has to support your process around sickness reporting, alerting and reintegration, in line with the Dutch Gatekeeper Act (Wet Verbetering Poortwachter). Whether you are after a standalone tool or an HRIS module: here are the criteria, with no preference for any provider.
What to look for when choosing
Objective criteria — we give no vendor preferential treatment. The best system depends on your situation.
Support for the Gatekeeper Act
Automatic alerts on statutory deadlines — problem analysis, action plan, the week-42 notification to the UWV benefits agency. Deadline tracking is what prevents wage sanctions.
Integration with occupational health services and the UWV
Direct data exchange with your occupational health service or company doctor, and digital notifications to the UWV, save duplicate work and prevent mistakes.
Privacy and GDPR
Absence data is sensitive. Check role-based access (a manager has no business seeing medical information), EU hosting and a data processing agreement.
Standalone or an HRIS module
Specialist absence tools usually go deeper; an absence module inside your HRIS avoids keeping two administrations. Weigh what suits your situation.
Reporting and absence analysis
Absence rate, reporting frequency and trends per team — information you can steer on, rather than a register that only records.
Frequently asked questions
What does absence management software cost in the Netherlands?
Pricing typically sits between €1–€4 per employee per month, often as a module within a broader HR platform. Specialist tools with occupational health integrations can sit higher.
Is absence software required by law?
No, but the Dutch Gatekeeper Act sets strict requirements and deadlines for supporting absent employees. Good software tracks those deadlines and helps you avoid wage sanctions from the UWV.
Should I pick a standalone absence tool or an HRIS module?
Both exist. A standalone tool usually goes deeper, with occupational health integrations and absence protocols; an HRIS module avoids a second administration. OptioHR helps you weigh that against your situation.
How do I find the best absence software for our organisation?
In one intake you describe your size, current systems and requirements; providers that fit come forward themselves — anonymously, objectively and free.
OptioHR in numbers
Based on our independent vendor directory for the Benelux.
Last updated: 11 July 2026