Many working Dutch people experience stress in the workplace. A high workload, deadlines, reorganizations or other causes cause as many as 8 in 10 working people to experience work stress. But, where does this stress come from? Why do many workers continue to work in the face of stress symptoms anyway, and what is the remedy? In this blog, you'll get answers to these questions. 

A little stress is fine, excessive stress is harmful

The numbers don't lie. The Dutch are stressing out a bit in the workplace. The fact that many people experience work stress does not mean that they are dissatisfied with their current job. Research shows that about 6% are dissatisfied, over half of the working are open to another job, and one in 10 people are actually actively looking. These are the figures according to a survey of working Dutch people:

• 80% experience work stress to a greater or lesser extent
• 50% continuously suffer from work stress
• 30% sleep worse due to stress
• 10% lie awake several times a week due to work stress
• 20% sometimes call in sick due to work stress
• 30% ever visited a doctor because of stress symptoms

^{_{Survey of 1,000 working Dutch people by Health Insurance Menzis, 2018}}

Why one may experience stress in the workplace

There are a number of stress triggers that occur regularly in the workplace. Important points of interest for employers to assess whether an employee is experiencing a healthy dose of challenge, or excessive, and therefore harmful, work stress.

• Inferiority

Insecure or anxious individuals may feel inferior to others.

• Undervalued

A person who feels underappreciated or works below his or her level is highly likely to experience work stress.

• Guilt

In order not to inconvenience others, some workers do not take timely rest. Often they also take over the shifts of others so as not to disappoint these colleagues.

• Insecurity 

A person can feel unsafe in the workplace for many reasons. Consider reasons such as a different ethnicity, bullying, religion, orientation or a gossip culture. 

• Loneliness

Few social contacts or no click with other colleagues; feeling lonely can cause a lot of stress. 

Prevention is better than cure! Excessive stress in the workplace increases absenteeism and decreases productivity.

Turn to Johan.nl for support through our many partners.

Young people experience more stress in the workplace than older people 

Younger workers (up to age 30) generally experience more stress than older generations. Social pressure, fueled by social media in particular, is very high for many young workers. However, young workers are open to discussing stress-related complaints. 

Get help from a professional in time 

One in three young workers expects his or her employer to help reduce work stress by engaging a coach, for example. A relaxation massage can also provide relief. Johan helps you find the right professional. Take a look at the possibilities in your area. 

What to do about work stress as an employee?

Physical activity is key 

As with many mental health issues, the cure is: exercise. Fifteen minutes of walking is good for body and mind and also gives you a chance to get to know your colleagues better. For example, agree to take a walk together during your lunch break; you'll find that after the break, you can start again with a fresh mind. 

Music and a dog work stress relieving 

Listening to music after or during work can also provide a lot of relaxation. However, this is not possible at every job. Do you work in a small office and could use some companionship? Many studies show that having an "office dog" reduces stress and increases happiness. 

Tackle stress with Johan's partners

The various collaborations on the Johan portal have created an independent digital ecosystem. On the portal, you have insight into your health and functioning, access to coaches or masseurs, for example, and you have control over your own data. Discover the partners of Johan!