How Hera Inzetbaarheid makes the Netherlands Happy at Work

Introduction

In the modern workplace, we often talk about performance, targets, resilience, and output. When people struggle, the standard solution usually lies in resilience training, stress management, or skill development, yet what truly determines whether someone can thrive at work lies deeper. It is the fundamental match between a person’s cognitive strengths and their job: the profound feeling that your work genuinely fits who you are.

The Challenge: Absenteeism and High Stress at the Workplace

Right now, the Dutch workplace is under pressure. Nearly 4 in 10 employees in the Netherlands experience above average or high stress at work, which is one of the highest levels in Europe. This pressure goes beyond workload alone. It is driven by high demands, constant adaptation to rapid technological change, and consequently, arising self-doubt. Even though this experience is widespread, many people still find it difficult to openly discuss stress or challenges in the workplace. Many employees hesitate to speak up or ask for help, given that many workplaces don’t always create space or encourage vulnerability. This results in high absenteeism and a low wellbeing scores at the workplace.

Addressing the complexities of the modern workplace remains challenging, and traditional approaches such as stress management programs, often fall short. Hera believes a deeper understanding of individual cognition is needed to identify the roles and environments in which people can truly thrive.

The Solution: Matching Minds to Missions

This is where Hera comes into play. They believe that sustainable employability isn’t just about filling a vacancy: it begins when people can make a meaningful contribution by using their natural talents at work. By looking beyond CVs and job titles, Hera focuses on talent, comfort, and a sense of belonging: enabling people to make meaningful, authentic contributions at the workplace.

According to Reinier Meijer, trainer/coach at Hera Inzetbaarheid, it is very important to “Find out where you are comfortable in, where you fit work-wise and life-wise, and where you belong. In other words, be able to understand what fits the puzzle.”

This vision is supported on multiple levels:

First, through group training sessions, to create awareness around individual strengths, team dynamics, and exploration of the collective dynamics to ensure everyone is working in harmony. In addition, Hera offers one-on-one coaching sessions designed for both prevention and recovery: supporting people when they begin to feel out of balance or helping those who are already experiencing strain or absence from the workplace. In this way, Hera helps people reconnect with themselves, restore balance, and return to work in a sustainable and meaningful way.

The Results: Happy People, Healthy Workplace

True engagement begins when your job aligns with your natural cognitive strengths. Think of it like swimming with the current instead of against it. When your daily tasks match your cognitive abilities, you don’t just perform better, but you enjoy the process. This “perfect fit” helps prevent burnout and supports long-term job satisfaction.

In addition, we as social beings, need more than just a clear to-do list; we need to feel we belong. We believe that psychological safety: the freedom to speak up and be yourself, is the foundation of a healthy workplace. When you feel supported by your team and your manager, you don’t just show up; you thrive.

Hera’s coaching sessions help individuals recognize the early signs of imbalance and facilitate open, honest conversations between employees and managers. By shifting the focus from fixing problems to preventing them, they create a space where needs are met long before they become real problems.

Conclusion

Ultimately, sustainable employability isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter by aligning who you are with what you do best. By prioritizing cognitive fit and psychological safety, Hera transforms the workplace from a source of stress into a place of purpose. Because when the match is right, happiness at work isn't just a goal; it's the natural result of work.