Form the results of a research last week the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs concludes that the dutch workers work themselves to pieces. The Dutch are European top scorers in stress. Causes are re-organisations and budget cuts, the rationalisation of work processes (the use of the computer) and the increase of communication (again via the computer and of course the terror of being within reach constantly because of the mobile phone).
Company doctors explain the patients more often tell them that they rather go home to work harder. Companies even give workers lap-tops to take home. An important reason is the growth of the economy. It’s working in small groups, pushing each other and the goal is: ‘making money’.
Hip stress management is coming up: the massage-break besides your desk. In April this year the socialist Union the FNV starts a campaign to inform their members on the dangers of stress. A medical psychiatrist starts an education for stress-therapy.Even the Dutch cleaners complain about stress. The Dutch government said so when they started to rule: work, work, work, and the Dutch do so!
A reportage for ARD Europamagazin about stress and stress therapy in the Netherlands.
Activities: screen-item idea, research, production and planning, direction and interviews.