Cases & News

Lodewijk Asscher, Minister for Social Affairs, is going to take measures to tackle the issue of work related stress. His ministry will exercise greater monitoring of healthy working hours, work related pressure, and aggression in the workplace. Asscher informed the Lower House of this in writing in May 2014. The minister wants to increase the awareness of employers and employees in relation to the risks of excessive work related stress. He has launched a campaign to increase their understanding of the issue. One third of all sickness absence is caused by work related stress. According to Asscher, discussion of the subject remains taboo. ''Employees feel ashamed. There is nothing wrong with working hard, but the prerequisites to be able to do this must be in place.” The minister announced a national Work Related Stress Awareness Week. In addition, his ministry is going to organise events at which employers and employees can exchange views on how to manage work related stress.

Herman Wijffels, (1942) is a Dutch economist. During his career, his roles included chair of the board of Rabobank Nederland, chair of the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER), and Dutch representative at the World Bank in Washington. In addition, as formateur, he laid the foundation for the Fourth Balkenende Cabinet. At present, he is co-chair of Worldconnectors and professor of 'sustainability and social change' at the University of Utrecht. In an interview on Dutch television (KRO, 12 May 2014), Wijffels said: “I meditate with my wife every morning for 20 minutes. It facilitates a state of calm, space and openness to accept information that you would not achieve otherwise. I started doing it during a period in my life when I was very stressed, having trouble sleeping and no longer experienced a sense of calm. My wife said: “Herman is emotionally unavailable.” So I went in search ( …) and found a Zen master.” After a period of practicing, training and therapy, Herman Wijffels, who experienced much personal grief in his life in addition to his professional achievements, once again felt relaxed. Meditation remains a fixed part of his daily routine.

Peter D., Account Manager (53): “I had never taken any kind of yoga lessons before in my life. So when Balance in Business showed up, I didn't know what to expect. But it feels really great. The corporate yoga classes are fun. And when I leave the office at the end of the day, I feel much more relaxed than I used to. Thank you Ilse.

John R., CEO (48): "During the past year, my company performed research on the harmful effects of stress on the health of employees. Our executives decided to improve our health politics and suggested to offer yoga programs. The results are very surprising. Personally, I am more focused, I have more energy and I have a deeply relaxing sleep at night. That is what Balance in Business can do for you."