Stressed at work? Your brain holds the answer

Stressed at work? Your brain holds the answer

The stressful reality of the modern workplace

Did you know that over 25% of young employees experienced burnout symptoms in 2024? And that absenteeism due to these symptoms costs employers an average of €45.000 per employee? These are alarming statistics.

Constant exposure to (workplace) stress is a growing cause of long-term absenteeism and burnouts. Factors like high workloads and staff shortages play a significant role here. However, not everyone can - or wants to - switch to a less demanding job. It is possible to structure your current job more intelligently to prevent excessive stress. In this blog, we delve deeper into how you can protect your mental health against external stressors by getting to know your brain.

Knowing your brain is powerful

Every brain has a natural predisposition regarding executive functions - mental skills that support our actions and thoughts. Some thrive on prolonged concentration on a single task, while others perform better in dynamic, varied environments. A mismatch between the way of working in your environment and the way your own brain works increases the risk of stress. To date, many workplaces still operate on the assumption that every brain functions the same. While it is possible to function in a mismatched environment, doing so requires extra effort, increasing the risk of fatigue and burnout. It is therefore important to get to know your own brain, and to know how this knowledge can be used towards maintaining good mental health.

How do you get to know your brain?

Getting to know your brain can be done by measuring the executive brain functions, such as reaction speed, adaptability, working memory, and attention. The most well-known method of measurement is through traditional intelligence tests. These tests sometimes contain components related to executive brain functions, but they do not provide the complete picture. By measuring brain functions directly, you discover natural strengths and vulnerabilities. This is possible through the NeurOlympics. The NeurOlympics is a game-based assessment, specifically developed to easily and reliably gain insight into the brain. This way, your brain essentially indicates how it prefers to work, allowing you to respond accordingly. After playing the games, you receive a complete personal Brain Profile to work with.

The theory to the test

In a study we conducted in 2020, young doctors in specialist training (AIOS) participated in the assessment. Each doctor received brain-based coaching determined by their personal Brain Profile. During these coaching sessions, they learned to organize their workday in ways that align well with their Brain Profile to minimize stress. The results were promising: the increase in stress factors reduced, and symptoms of fatigue decreased. These results suggest that even in an above-average stressful work environment, mental health can be prioritized.

The role of employers

The responsibility for enabling brain-based work lies not only with the employee, but also with the employer. Give employees the opportunity to voice their concerns, whether to a manager or a company psychologist. Create space for employees to take control of their work, and you will see both productivity and atmosphere improve.

Towards a more sustainable (work) lifestyle

The numbers speak for themselves: the population’s mental health is under pressure. It is time to revise the way we work and harness the power of brain-based working. Learn how your brain is wired so you can work smarter, not harder. Let's invest in a healthier and more sustainable work culture!