Getting a grip on stress: why early intervention matters

15 December 2025

Stress remains one of the leading causes of absenteeism, and it is expected to continue rising. Despite current initiatives, detecting stress early and managing it effectively remains a challenge. We want to change that. That’s why HumanCapitalCare is participating in DESTRESS, a nationwide, long-term research project (running until 2032) focused on the early identification of stress and collaborative strategies to tackle it.

Workload is increasing across many sectors, and hybrid working makes it even harder to spot signs of stress. Now more than ever, it is crucial to conduct in-depth research and establish a clear course of action. Participating in the national DESTRESS consortium aligns perfectly with our vision and ambition to lead the way in addressing work-related stress. By collaborating with scientists and experts, we can develop effective, scalable solutions that truly contribute to a healthier, more vital, and more productive workplace. In doing so, we enhance the quality of our services and create real value for the Dutch workforce.

DESTRESS was launched with the vision that stress is not just an individual issue, but an organization-wide challenge. Much of the care around work-related stress comes too late, is fragmented, and relies too heavily on a single party. DESTRESS focuses on raising awareness and breaking the taboos surrounding stress. By encouraging open conversations and providing insights into its causes, the DESTRESS research helps organizations build a culture where mental health is valued just as highly as physical health.

What do we aim to achieve with DESTRESS in the coming years?

Innovative insights into stress factors: Leveraging data and analysis to identify risks early.
Practical tools: Providing everything from workload assessments to training programs for managers.
A structural approach: Normalizing conversations about stress and embedding prevention into organizational policies.

Getting a grip on mental health-related absenteeism

Christiaan Vinkers is a psychiatrist and professor of stress and resilience at Amsterdam UMC. He is also one of the co-initiators of DESTRESS and highlights the unique aspect of the programme: "Together with HumanCapitalCare, employers, and employees, we want to take action on mental health-related absenteeism. At the moment, there is little control over it. We examine where stress originates and what can be done about it. Our goal is to intervene at an early stage—not with a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but by considering the full context. Is the stress work-related, or is it caused by private circumstances?"

The scientific component, according to Vinkers, will contribute to the shared goal of reducing mental health-related absenteeism. "If we want to achieve that goal, we need to let science do its work—and do so together with organizations committed to building resilient organizations with resilient employees."

This aligns perfectly with HumanCapitalCare’s mission: advising on healthy working practices, preventing work-related absence, and supporting a successful return to work. Through this collaboration, we enhance the quality of our services and develop solutions that truly make a difference for the Dutch workforce.

Want to know more?

Interested in learning more about DESTRESS? Please contact your regular HumanCapitalCare representative.