Chefs experience the highest work pressure. Doctors, teachers, and managers also have it tough. This is evident from a new study by CBS. And taxi Union representative? They have it much easier.
There have already been many studies on stress, burnout, and overload, but in the report 'Occupation and work pressure in the Netherlands', CBS lists for the first time which profession suffers the most. The institute determines this based on three criteria: working at a very fast pace, having to do a lot at once, and having to work extra hard.
Surprising
At the top of the list, which was compiled from surveys of 42,000 employees, are 'notorious' stressful professions such as doctors, managers in business and administrative services, and primary school teachers. But lawyers and chefs also experience high work pressure: the latter group even the most. Tanja Traag (CBS): "A lot is already written about work pressure in education, much less about that of chefs. So that is also surprising for us."
Peak moments
According to her, the causes of work pressure vary greatly in each profession. "For medical professionals, for example, it is more about the emotional burden: dealing with life and death. Lawyers, on the other hand, indicate that they sometimes find it hard to spend long days just sitting in front of a screen. And for chefs, it is important that they can act very quickly during peak moments."
Professionals who experience the least work pressure: security guards, Union representative, gardeners and horticulturists, cashiers, teaching assistants, and childcare workers. Traag: "In some of these professions, it mainly has to do with the fact that people can manage their own time more. Taxi Union representative, for example."
Emotional pressure
According to Traag, there is little that can be done about work pressure in some professions. "The emotional pressure that doctors sometimes experience cannot be removed. It is part of the job." But: employers must realise that 'a sense of freedom' is important for reducing stress. "If there is one thing that emerges from studies, it is that people experience less pressure as they have more control over their own workday; being able to work flexibly from time to time, for example." It also makes a difference if there is unrest in the workplace. "The more secure people feel about their position, the less pressure they feel."
'I actually enjoy the busiest moments the most'
Bas van Amerongen (25), works as a chef at café Facet in Rotterdam.
"Not surprising, really, that my profession is at the top when it comes to work pressure. It is intense. I work long days. I start at nine in the morning at the wholesaler to select all the fresh items and often don't finish until after ten in the evening when the last table is having dessert. And of course, I always work on weekends. Moreover, it's quite a rush during 'peak time' at lunch and dinner when the whole place is full. I always say: it has to be your thing. And it is my thing. I discovered during my internship that I could handle it. Staying calm while under high pressure. I actually enjoy the busiest moments. And, of course, the beer at the bar when all the guests have left satisfied. But: I don't see myself doing this my whole life. It's physically too demanding: standing on your feet for twelve hours and pushing through. I hope to have my own place later on, and then I will hire a good chef in turn."
Source: AD.nl