Employees consider attention to mental well-being more important than sustainability and diversity

Employees consider attention to mental well-being more important than sustainability and diversity

The Netherlands believes our country needs different leadership. But, what is "different leadership"? New research by Motivaction and training institute de Baak among 1,000 working Dutch people provides insight into expectations of leadership in politics and business. It shows that human leadership is the most important theme for the near future, with transparency and mental well-being as major pillars.

This article previously appeared on www.duurzaam-ondernemen.nl. Image: stock photo.

Less from reason, more from connection. That's where the needs of the Dutch lie when it comes to future leadership in both politics and organizations, according to research by de Baak. For example, 70% of Dutch people feel that political leadership should be more human. They expect transparent communication, empathy and trust from contemporary leaders. According to respondents, their most important tasks are to motivate others, ensure a satisfied team and good cooperation. Interestingly, more traditional, ratio-driven traits such as authoritarianism, result orientation and adherence to hierarchy are found to be the least popular traits.

"With the great turbulence in today's world, people need connection with others and the human aspect. Leaders can contribute to this by paying real attention to how their people are doing, whether in politics or in organizations. People who feel seen have more confidence and are better able to deal effectively with the great challenges of our time," says Godfried IJsseling, leadership expert at de Baak.

Mental well-being more important than sustainability and diversity

The survey shows that one's own mental health is an important issue among working people in the Netherlands. It falls among the three most important concerns for direct managers, found by their employees. In addition, ensuring a good atmosphere and a healthy work-life balance lead the list. At the bottom of the list of workplace concerns are diversity, social impact and sustainability. Over 60% do believe that sustainability is becoming more important, but place that responsibility on the directors of large organizations, not their direct managers. "The average person goes to the office to work and would like to pass this time somewhat pleasantly with, among other things, good coffee, a vrijmibo with bitterballen and a manager with personal attention. Social issues we often keep to ourselves. For many, this is a far cry from our office show," said Rutger Slump, trainer at de Baak.

One third dare not talk about mental health

Of working Dutch people, 65% think managers are responsible for the mental health of employees. "Many people feel the pressure of the many crises in the world and all that media on our screens. That pressure is also felt in the workplace. Looking for a stable way to deal with it, they also look to their leaders. As a leader, you can give peace and confidence by being 'real', with integrity and openness, and by paying genuine attention to your people," says Godfried IJsseling. There is still plenty of work to be done in that area: the survey found that nearly half are not satisfied with the level of attention mental health receives in the workplace. Also, 31% of working Dutch people do not dare to talk about this subject with their manager.