Work and health
Healthy and productive employees form the basis of a successful organisation. However, various work-related risks can affect physical and mental health. What consequences does this have for health, job satisfaction, performance and employability? Below is an overview of four important occupational risks and how they interrelate.
Physical workload
Physically demanding work occurs in many sectors. 38% of employees do physically heavy work and 60% experience health complaints as a result.
Consequences:
- Muscle and joint complaints (back, neck, shoulders)
- Higher risk of long-term sickness absence
- Reduced work capacity in the longer term
Source: Arboportaal - Physical workload
Sedentary work
The Dutch sit on average more than 8.5 hours a day, the highest in Europe. Prolonged sitting increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health problems.
Consequences:
- Increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease
- Reduced energy and productivity
- Increase in physical complaints such as back and neck pain
Source: Arboportaal - Sedentary work
Psychosocial workload (PSA)
Prolonged stress from high work pressure, conflicts or emotional strain can lead to burnout and sickness absence. This is summarised as psychosocial workload (PSA).
Consequences:
- Fatigue, sleep problems and emotional exhaustion
- Increased risk of burnout and depression
- Reduced performance and motivation
Source: TNO - Psychosocial workload
Work pressure
Work pressure arises when the amount of work, its complexity or the time pressure is higher than what employees can handle. In 2024, 34% of employers indicated that work pressure is one of the main occupational risks within their organisation.
Consequences:
- Stress and reduced concentration
- Increased risk of burnout and long-term sickness absence
- Less job satisfaction and commitment
Source TNO - Work pressure in the Netherlands
The link between work and health
Work pressure, physical workload, sedentary work and psychosocial workload directly influence one another.
Some important links:
➡ High work pressure can lead to physical workload and less attention to ergonomics.
➡ Physical workload increases the risk of complaints and long-term sickness absence, which increases the work pressure for colleagues.
➡ Prolonged sitting contributes to reduced energy and increases the risk of stress and burnout.
➡ Psychosocial workload can be reinforced by both work pressure and physical complaints, leading to long-term absence.