De Telegraaf
Work-related stress is rising. Is it time to rethink work?
Almost one in five sickness absence reports is currently recorded as work-related. In De Telegraaf, occupational physician Boyd Thijssens shares his experiences.
Sickness absence due to mental health issues has risen sharply compared with absence caused by musculoskeletal conditions. This is evident from Colbe’s analysis of 3.63 million sickness absence reports. De Telegraaf reports on this trend.
Employees are increasingly taking sick leave due to stress, heavy workloads and mental strain. Workplace conflicts and worries in their personal lives also play a role. Occupational physician Boyd Thijssens says: “If someone has to lift crates that are too heavy, we wouldn’t say: stop complaining and keep lifting.”
Yet when it comes to mental health issues, we still often look to employees themselves for the solution. Of course, it is important for people to learn how to manage stress and recognise their limits. But we also need to consider their working conditions. How much does an organisation ask of its people? Is there enough room for recovery? And do employees feel seen and supported by their manager and colleagues?
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