The current affairs television program Zembla is set to air a report on Friday night concerning Arbodienst, the Netherlands’ biggest health
and safety firm, and its decision to pass confidential information about its clients on to employers. CBP, a privacy watchdog group, has called for an investigation and the company itself has vowed to being an internal probe into the situation.
According to Dutch law, only doctors employed by a company can ask why a worker is on sick leave. Zembla’s investigation reveals that Arbodienst has released private medical information to companies and that members of its call center staff routinely answer intrusive questions about employees’ medical conditions and the reasons for sick leave.
The program features interviews with Dutch doctors who say that they are concerned about the increasing number of private firms like Arbodienst, which often allow managers with no medical training to determine if people are well enough to return to work.
Zembla also took a look at other private health and safety firms, including Verzuimreductie, whose many clients include the V&D and Bijenkork department store chains. The Hengelo-based corporation represents 100,000 workers in the Netherlands and its slogan is “Absenteeism leaves holes. We get workers back to work faster.” Zembla debuted in 1995 and airs on Nederland 3.
By Brandon Hartley
For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.
Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager
Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.
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Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.
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If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant