Work stress and Burnout: How absenteeism due to burnouts can be reduced
Work stress is not a new phenomenon, but the figures remain shocking. According to recent research by TNO, a very large number of Dutch employees experience burnout complaints, which costs billions annually. With increasing absenteeism due to work stress and the impact on mental health, this problem requires immediate attention. In this article, we dive deeper into the figures and causes of work stress and provide insight into possible steps for HR professionals to reduce absenteeism and promote a healthy work-life balance.
Burnout in the Netherlands: The alarming figures
TNO's latest data reveals shocking facts: as many as 1.6 million employees in the Netherlands suffer from burnout complaints. This amounts to 20% of the working population. These complaints range from chronic stress to complete exhaustion, and are extremely burdensome for both employees and employers. The absenteeism costs due to work stress amount to a whopping €3.3 billion per year — a shocking amount that shows how big the impact of work stress is on the economy.
The causes of mental absenteeism
Burnout and work stress are caused by various factors. One of the biggest culprits? High job requirements and low autonomy. TNO notes that 33% of employees face a high workload and 42% experience little autonomy. This means that these employees often feel that they have little influence on their work processes or the way they perform their tasks.
A lack of autonomy can lead to feelings of powerlessness, which ultimately contributes to the development of burnout. In addition, a lack of social support in the workplace can increase the risk of burnout symptoms. Despite the fact that 98% of employees experience social support from colleagues, 26% report having conflicts with colleagues or supervisors. This type of conflict can undermine mental health and contribute to mental absenteeism.
The financial impact: Work stress and the costs of absenteeism
Work stress takes a heavy toll on both employees and employers. The cost of absenteeism due to work stress per employee is estimated at €11,000 per year. In addition to direct costs, such as continued payment of wages, there are also secondary costs, including reduced productivity and the need to hire replacement staff. For organizations, this is not only a financial problem, but also a signal that change is needed.
What Can HR Do?
The responsibility for reducing work stress lies not only with the employees, but also with the companies. HR professionals can play a major role in this by promoting a healthy work culture. TNO states that many employees consider an improved work-life balance to be essential in preventing work stress and burnout.
- Increase Autonomy: Give employees more control over their work. This can range from flexible working hours to offering opportunities to work from home.
- Encourage Social Safety: TNO's research shows that employees feel psychologically safer when they feel they can raise difficult issues. This sense of safety can be improved by, for example, organizing team discussions where employees feel free to speak honestly about stress factors.
- Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance: It seems like an open door, but a good work-life balance is essential for employee well-being. This not only means that employees have the opportunity to spend time with family, but also that they have room for recovery and relaxation outside of work.
Conclusion: Getting work stress under control
Work stress and burnout are serious problems that take a major toll on our society and economy. By taking TNO's figures seriously, HR professionals can take steps to reduce absenteeism due to work stress and promote mental health. Tackling work stress is not easy, but through targeted actions such as greater autonomy, improved social safety and promoting a healthy work-life balance, organizations can achieve positive change.
