Work stress does not exist, you can create it

It is a misconception that reducing work and hiring more people eliminates stress at work. Van Rhenen advocates for a more effective approach.

"More attention for the whole year instead of a week"

From November 12 to 15, the week of stress at work will take place again and the consequences will be taken into account . According to TNO figures, one in six Dutch people suffers from burnout complaints

Managers play a vital role

Work-related stress is often the result of insufficient support, d & # 39; a lack of autonomy or a lack of skills. Van Rhenen said, "Investing in skills means looking for the talents and skills of people to make them thrive.You respond to the need for autonomy by controlling less and relying more on the strength of the employee. By giving him control space and making him feel that he has an influence on his own agenda, you respond to this third need – the connection – by giving compliments, showing your appreciation and gratitude. see a lot of effects, it is to train the cadres to identify the shortages of help, control room or skills.They form the core of the whole in the prevention of stress "

Resources

To get a complete picture, you must not only look at someone's" sources of work ", but also personal and personal resources. These three sources are closely related. If you feel good and your home situation is in order / gives you energy, you will work with more energy. This also applies: if your health deteriorates or if you are asked a lot at home, you can "give less" to work and from there, you need more help. And if you notice that your supervisor understands your situation and that you have the necessary room for, for example, changing (temporarily) your working hours, you remain employable and productive. Because stress occurs precisely when part of the situation begins to be felt.

Young workers most at risk

Van Rhenen: "The largest group of people with work-related stress is between the ages of 25 and 35. This is an age in which many things are changing, both This group in particular needs a lot of support from the environment – think of your colleagues, friends and family as a safety net – a young parent who has to hurry every day to be at the nursery for a while will soon be stressed.A little more flexibility on the part of the employer or a resource that can go to the nursery, avoids this stress. "It is essential that employers' policies be focused on this topic throughout the year and that there is not a week a year for the subject. "