If you work in the Netherlands, you’ve probably heard the term Arbo thrown around. “Arbo rules,” “Arbo check,” “Arbodienst.” But what is this mysterious Arbo ?

“Arbo” = short for “Arbeidsomstandigheden”

Arbo is simply short for arbeidsomstandigheden, which means “working conditions.” It’s all about how your work affects your health, safety, and well-being — both physically and mentally. It’s the system that takes care of you being able to work safely and in a healthy way.

It’s good to know that in The Netherlands, the word Arbo often has a negative connotation. When someone says “Arbo,” most people think of checklists, inspections, and paperwork – not well-being. It’s often associated with regulations, obligations, and forms rather than actual help or prevention. And to be honest, I agree… There’s many rules, but too few attention to actual wellbeing. I’m trying to more Arbo a bit less boring with DeskGuru!

The Arbowet: the Dutch Working Conditions Act

Behind the Arbo world stands the Arbowet — the Dutch Working Conditions Act. This law sets the basic rules (Arboregels) for a safe and healthy work environment. It applies to every employer (special rules apply to bigger companies) and every employee in the Netherlands.

The Arbowet says that employers must:

• Make sure the workplace is safe and healthy
• Prevent or reduce risks (for example: bad posture, stress, or poor lighting)
• Offer employees information and training about health and safety
• Have expert support. This can be through an Arbodienst

So what’s an “Arbodienst”?

An Arbodienst is a certified occupational health and safety service. Think of them as the experts who help employers comply with the Arbowet.

They usually include:

• Company doctors (bedrijfsartsen) – for medical guidance, especially when someone is ill.
• Health & safety specialists – to help identify and reduce risks.
• Occupational hygienists and safety experts – for more technical or environmental issues.
• Companies can either hire their own Arbodienst or work with an external one.

Is DeskGuru an “Arbodienst”?

I guess we are! But I don’t consider DeskGuru an Arbodienst myself. The only thing DeskGuru offers is online ergonomic workstation assessments. Personally Ι see an Arbodienst as a big company with many experts and administrative people working for them. And I think most people working in HR would agree.

As for ergonomic workstation assessments, I distinguish myself from most Arbodiensten in 2 ways:

• I’m a lot more affordable (sometimes 6 times cheaper!)
• I work online
• I focus on the home / hybrid workstation.

At DeskGuru, we also work alongside Arbodiensten. When an employee has physical complaints or needs ergonomic advice, the Arbodienst may recommend an ergonomic workstation assessment. That’s where we come in. You could say we’re part of the “preventive” side of Arbo — helping people stay well before problems arise.