Care-providing professions are demanding

In 2007, over one third of the employed population in the Netherlands experienced a high level of work-related stress. Another one third had jobs that were physically demanding and nearly one in eight had physically demanding jobs and worked under severe pressure of time.

Top 5 of occupational groups under high pressure at work, 2007

Managers under severe pressure at work

Well over one third of the employed labour force – in particular at the managerial level – reported they were under severe pressure at work in 2007. Persons in other high-level and academic professions, like doctors and lawyers also indicated they were under pressure at work, albeit to a lesser degree.

Top 5 of physically demanding jobs, 2007

Physically demanding jobs

Close to one third of the employed population reported their jobs were physically demanding: bricklayers, carpenters, farmers and people employed in the (health) care sector were included in the top 5 of physically demanding jobs.

Top 5 of occupations that are stressful as well as physically demanding, 2007

Care sector professionals under mental and physical pressure

Nearly one in eight workers had stressful and physically demanding jobs. Most people subjected to mental and physical pressure are employed in the care sector. Work in the care sector involves washing and dressing of people who require help with almost everything they do. These jobs are physically demanding and stressful, because several persons often need to be looked after within a short period of time and only one person is available to provide help. 

Lian Kösters