Nearly two-thirds of Dutch employers are reluctant to hire applicants with mental health problems, according to a publicly released study by Tilburg University on Monday. Even if the applicant is no longer bothered by these complaints, many employers remain hesitant.
The survey among managers in all Dutch sectors shows that 64 percent have reservations about hiring an applicant with, for example, depression, burnout, anxiety or stress complaints. Yet only 7 percent of managers themselves have negative experiences with such employees, 52 percent even have positive experiences.
Of the managers surveyed, 30 percent are reluctant to hire applicants who are known to have had mental health problems. According to lead researcher Kim Janssens, this means that “even after recovery the stigma remains attached to them, which can lead to employment discrimination”.
Bears who see the executives on the road are not sure how to help the employee (39 percent) and how to interact with the employee (19 percent). They also often wonder what the possible negative influence is on the work atmosphere (40 percent).
The research was carried out by Tranzo, Tilburg University’s scientific center for care and welfare. It will soon appear in a leading scientific publication in the UK.
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