How TNO creates openness around mental health

'Caring for a loved one, grief, relationship problems… or a difficult conversation at work, or a poor atmosphere in a team. Everyone has to deal with worries or stress at some point,' says Huizinga. With TNO Mind Matters, colleagues can speak to a psychologist before their problems get out of hand.

Accessibility is a key principle of the programme. Employees do not need permission from their manager and can contact a psychologist directly. 'If we support people better mentally, things go better in the workplace too. That idea is what led us to set up TNO Mind Matters together with Psyned.'

Mental health is not nine to five

Huizinga notices that more and more colleagues are finding their way to TNO Mind Matters, and managers are helping with that. They are actively informed and encouraged to point employees to the support available. The guiding principle: no question is too small.

Evaluations show that TNO employees use the programme for both work-related and personal matters. Worries at home can affect concentration and energy, and work pressure in turn spills over into private life. 'Isn't it wonderful that when we can help people in their personal lives, they also feel better at work and stay fit to do their jobs?' says Huizinga.

Looking beyond absenteeism

TNO conducts extensive research into sickness absence, including its potential causes, with a particular focus on younger employees. The urgent need for prevention is also clear from the Netherlands Working Condition survey (NWCS): a growing number of employees in the Netherlands are taking sick leave due to mental health issues.

With TNO Mind Matters, TNO takes a broader approach than traditional sickness absence management. Huizinga: 'The government also emphasises the importance of a resilient society in which people feel able to say sooner that they are struggling and face fewer barriers to seeking help. That is exactly what we do with TNO Mind Matters: we acknowledge that mental health issues can arise and give people the space to talk to someone in good time.'

Paying attention to wellbeing contributes to sustainable employability, because when problems are discussed early, they can be kept from getting worse. 'There's really only something to gain here,' he continues. 'If it keeps even one or two people from going on sick leave, the organisation has already benefited.'