At the same time, they experience the workload at its highest compared to last year and expect it to increase significantly in the coming quarter. This leaves its mark on employees mentally and physically. The work pressure is also at the expense of their job satisfaction.
Headaches are the most common stress complaint among employees. A third suffer from headaches a few times a month and one in five often or always. As many as 94% have headaches that affect their ability to work.
According to Anouk ten Arve, healthy working program manager at Stichting IZZ, previous research has already shown that there is a great need to reduce work pressure. “We know that currently 1 in 6 healthcare workers is emotionally exhausted. 8% of them need extra psychological support for this. The demand for psychological care has increased by 29% compared to 2020 and will not decrease without tackling the workload.”
Just after the holidays
The recent summer holiday period has not contributed enough to alleviating the workload, the new research shows. Despite this quieter holiday time, half of the care and welfare employees do not feel mentally fitter. Even during the holidays, about half were concerned about workload and dreaded going back to work. A quarter found the return to work disappointing, mainly because of the work pressure and more than half are already ready for a holiday.
According to Henriette Davelaar, director of PGGM&CO, employers should pay more attention to the well-being of their employees. “Talk to employees in the team about what leads to less work pressure and stress and thus to fewer complaints, such as exhaustion and headaches. Think of a better work-life balance through self-scheduling, support from a coach and more moments of relaxation during a working day.”
Ring the bell
According to Davelaar, it is also important that employees themselves raise the alarm with their employer by asking for help in case of excessive work pressure and mental or physical complaints. “Many employees don’t do this because they feel unsafe, think it won’t help, or don’t dare. As a result, employers often do not know that this is happening or only when it is too late and employees are home sick. By discussing this with each other in time, they can look together at what is needed to improve well-being.”