Dutch Workers Struggle to Balance Work and Life, CNV Survey Reveals
AMSTERDAM – A recent survey conducted by the Dutch trade union CNV reveals a growingstruggle among Netherlands residents to balance their work and private lives. The survey, which polled nearly 2,600 CNV members, found that almost halfof respondents regularly face difficulties juggling their professional and personal commitments, while a quarter feel on the verge of burnout as a consequence.
The findings paint a concerning picture ofthe current state of work-life balance in the Netherlands. The survey highlights a significant increase in work-related stress and its impact on mental well-being. Over half of the respondents reported experiencing a high psychological burden from their jobs, while a thirdconfessed to struggling with symptoms of burnout.
“These results are alarming,” said Piet Fortuin, a spokesperson for CNV. “The pressure on employees is mounting, and it’s clear that many are struggling to cope. We need tosee more action from employers to address this issue.”
The survey also revealed that the increasing demands of work are leading to a rise in absenteeism. Many respondents reported taking time off work due to stress-related illnesses, further highlighting the need for employers to prioritize employee well-being.
CNV is calling onemployers to implement measures to improve work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, increased access to mental health support, and a focus on promoting a healthy work environment.
“We need to move away from a culture of presenteeism and towards a more balanced approach to work,” Fortuin emphasized. “Employers need torecognize that happy and healthy employees are more productive and engaged.”
The survey’s findings come at a time when the Dutch government is also focusing on improving work-life balance. The government has recently introduced legislation aimed at promoting flexible working arrangements and providing employees with greater control over their working hours.
However, the CNVbelieves that more needs to be done to address the issue. The union is urging employers to take a proactive approach to promoting employee well-being and to work collaboratively with employees to create a more sustainable work environment.
References:
- CNV press release: [Link to CNV press release]
- Dutch governmentlegislation on flexible working arrangements: [Link to government website]
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