Column | What to do about performance pressure?

The pressure to perform among young people is high. Not only the pressure they experience from society, study or work, but also the pressure they feel from within. According to the CBS More than 60 percent of young people between the ages of 18 and 25 often experience internal pressure to perform on a regular basis. This problem does not only occur in the Netherlands. International magazines on management and work, such as the Harvard Business Review† have been paying attention to it over the past few weeks†

It is also not just a corona problem. It is true that the compulsory working from home caused problems for many young people. For example: little contact with colleagues, too many distractions at home, difficult to learn to find your way in an organization. But the big trend, towards more pressure to perform and poorer mental health, been on the road for years†

Last week, State Secretary Maarten van Ooijen said: the alarm bell in an interview in Fidelity† According to him, we have become a ‘hunted society’, in which the bar is set ‘gigantic high’. The cabinet calls on employers, schools and social organizations to help reduce this pressure.

Suppose you think: quite a serious problem, we have to do something about it. What are a few first steps you can take as an employer?

1. Immerse yourself in young people and their challenges.According to researchers Among other things, young people experience stress due to the constant mutual comparison via social media. The transition from the protective environment of education to working life is also difficult. And many young people in their first job are still in the process of developing into responsible adults.

2. Update your introduction program. The first few months in a new job are stressful. Especially for young people with little work experience. Therefore, the introduction should not only focus on the content of the job, but also on getting to know colleagues and – for example by following experienced staff – the unwritten rules in an organization.

3. Organize social care. Many young employees do not want to fail in the eyes of their boss and will not bring up stress or other mental problems themselves. That is why you as an employer will have to be proactive. For example, organize groups of young employees to meet regularly. And provide coaches, mentors, and social and emotional skills training.

4. Set limits on the work week. Many people in their twenties don’t hit the brakes or hit the brakes too late. So as an employer you have to lend a hand. How? For example with a weekly meeting-free day or a daily do not disturb hour. And by agreeing that there will be no e-mailing and texting before eight and after five.

5. Stop wrong management practices. Some managers create needless stress by openly comparing employees or by organizing competition. Unhealthy and ineffective. Mutual competition undermines collegiality and cooperation. Which company is waiting for that now?

Van Ooijen has a point. Working with young people is not only pleasant and stimulating. It also comes with responsibilities. Like it or not, as an employer you are – after parents and school – also a bit of an educator.

Ben Tiggelaar writes weekly about personal leadership, work and management.