We regularly share insights from our online employer sessions. Recently, we discussed mental health in the workplace with Elize Smal of Pharos, the national expertise center dedicated to equal health opportunities.

Work and well-being: the impact of a job

 Work plays a crucial role in people's well-being. It provides structure, social connections, and strengthens self-esteem. Furthermore, a job gives you control over your own life and fosters a sense of participation in society. Unemployment, on the other hand, can negatively impact mental health, not only for refugees, but for everyone.

 Challenges for refugees

 Besides the well-known benefits of employment, people with a refugee background may face additional challenges. Social and political developments, financial insecurity, and social exclusion can lead to increased stress, which hinders both integration and job retention .

 These signals are confirmed by research conducted by the Research and Documentation Center (WODC) , in collaboration with the SCP, RIVM, and CBS, on the living conditions and integration of Syrian newcomers in the Netherlands. The most recent survey, from 2022, reveals several worrying trends:

• The financial position is worrying ; respondents' jobs are often low-paid.
• Mental health is deteriorating : 39% of respondents feel mentally unhealthy.
• The integration paradox plays a role : the more one tries to integrate, the greater the feeling of exclusion.
• Mental health issues are often not recognised or discussed, meaning that necessary care is not requested or even avoided.

 The role of employers: what can you do?

 Employers play a key role in identifying and discussing mental health issues among employees with refugee backgrounds. An open and supportive work environment helps reduce stress and enables timely and appropriate support.

 Some concrete actions for employers:

• Have open conversations: For example, ask: "What do people in your country do when they are stressed?"
• Sharing practical information: Pharos offers brochures in five languages about stress recognition in the Netherlands.
• Ask protective questions: How's your sleep? Is there any stress?
• Maintain regular personal contact: Hybrid working can mask stress.
• Setting up buddy programs and peer consultation: Accessible ways to share experiences.

 Want to know more?

 Want to learn more about the relationship between work and mental health? Read more:

• A job gives newcomers control again
•  The Handbook for Status Holders at Work in a Healthy Way offers practical tips for employers.

By becoming a partner with the Refugee Talent Hub, you can participate in employer sessions like this one and gain valuable insights. Want to know more? Request a consultation.