Quality of the Work Life Balance : The importance of values in Well-Being Management Summary The literature provides us with numerous possible diagnostic methods and solutions for the burnout issue; however the actual effectiveness of these interventions is low. The problem demands a multidisciplinary approach on both the individual level, focusing on the elimination of stress factors (e.g. reducing workload and work intensity), and on the organizational level (e.g. adaptation of structures, style of leadership and management, development of quality system models based on values). The example in this thesis of an intervention program within a group of physicians that concentrates on building up personal resources with the help a multidisciplinary team of trainers shows that even this can make a huge difference. The combination of such programs, with the emphasis on a structural and organizational level to improve working conditions and to increase the levels of control, can be effective in preventing and curing burnout. Additionally, human being management and focusing on values in a leaderships program (as case described in the introduction of this thesis) addresses another important issue: To consider the human being also in a spiritual context as part of greater concept and as a whole entity. To incorporate his/her personal goals, values, beliefs, and motivations. The philosophical point of view that is adopted in several self-management classes to discuss issues concerning the meaning of life is also necessary to treat burnout. Burnout is not only a recognized occupational disease it is also a matter of motivation and losing a sense of one’s meaning in work, and therefore it is not enough to deal exclusively with stress tolerance practices in these programs. It was out of the scope of this thesis to provide an extensive recommendation for a burnout prevention program. We also looked at the role of the occupational physician toward treating burnout being the core professional concerning labor and health with one of his/her main responsibilities being the prevention of occupational diseases: A case regarding burnout treatment where the specific role of the occupational physician is described being positioned in an internal or external service is remarkable. Especially, in the Netherlands, where every employee should have his own occupational physician, this role could be very significant. Nevertheless the service being internal or external to an organization seems to be a key factor. External services seem to delay the time of recovery significant. It was observed once more that too many activities of the occupational physician are concentrated on sick leave consultation, while actually the anticipation on possible sick leave should be his primary focus (primary prevention). It is the responsibility of the occupational physician together with the management to develop and run screening programs that detect the first symptoms of burnout or other work-related diseases in order to prevent sickness absence due to these diseases or disorders. This leads to lower sick leave on the long term. ‘Small is beautiful’ might be the ultimate conclusion of this thesis. Working on a small scale is better for the occupational health professional and better for the patient. Keeping a sharp eye on the human being behind the worker is a recommendation of this thesis. As burnout is not a medical condition, burnout should be addressed on a higher level of professional competence. The entity body, mind and soul has to be addressed at the same time. A new paradigm would be to educate doctors (and other health-professionals) who can discriminate causes of burnout. A high sense of responsibility in the mind, heart and soul for the patient as a whole is essential. Spirituality and self-management on all (micro- meso- and macro) levels with a learning orientation and goal orientation seem to be under appreciated in Western working circumstances which are focused on the a ‘Human Resource and Human Capital’ approach. Human Being Management should encounter this, protected by all stakeholders. In this thesis we emphasize on the spiritual (meaning – motivation – a sense of being - values) factor into the workplace in addition to a focus on competence and skills to create a healthy atmosphere to prevent sick leave and gain better results from the workforce. A Human Being Management surrounding and self-management is recommended in the prevention op professionals suffering from stress and burnout. To cure people from burnout a small scaled occupational health care service and professionals with a multidimensional approach and knowledge of the whole human being (values, beliefs) are needed, who are dedicated and who are able to intervene with compassion. Attention, being there and communication are vital elements in this approach. Further research and evaluation of successful human being management cases is required to conclude whether this approach gives the ultimate answer to reduce sickness (sick leave) in organizations. | bovenkant pagina |