Therapy in home language prevents migrant worker dropout

Soesterberg, Feb. 6, 2024 - Nearly one million people work in the Netherlands.

migrant workers, especially in logistics, distribution and manufacturing. Important because this group keeps a large part of our economy running. Due to the often harsh living and working conditions, physical and mental health issues are lurking and the dropout rate compared to non-migrants is extremely high. Migrant workers often live in poor conditions and receive little support both mentally and financially. Excessive stress, depression and burnout are common among this group. To prevent dropout in the workplace and improve the well-being of migrant workers, foreign-language psychologists offer solutions here. Thus, SpecialistenNet sees a growing demand for foreign-language psychologists to support the mental health of this group. With this, the organization is betting on prevention and offering therapy in more than six languages to promote the health and sustainable employability of this important workforce.

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Photo: SpecialistsNet

Heavy work

At 375,000, more than a third of all migrant workers in our country come from Central and Eastern Europe. That work is physically demanding, and working conditions such as long days, shift work and a poor working environment also impact well-being. The uncertainty about if and when work can be done creates chronic stress, and after work there is little room for social contact. Loneliness, missing family and lack of relaxation weigh on mental health. People become exhausted, but they are unable, unwilling or afraid to call in sick. Cultural differences, the language barrier and insufficient knowledge about the healthcare system play a role. The result? Many dropouts and even disability.

Healthier way

Anna Diament, a Polish-speaking psychologist affiliated with SpecialistsNet, sees a lot of trepidation and shame among her clients about calling in sick: "I think it's important for employers to realize that people from Poland, for example, are less likely to raise the alarm than a Dutch person would. People think they have to be strong and continue until they really can't do it anymore. It is better for both the employee and the employer to get ahead of that moment. People also report feeling hounded by the Arbo doctor - they think they are being called because the boss wants them to go back to work. That kind of misunderstanding needs to be eliminated as soon as possible. My premise is that everyone deserves help, and by offering it to people in their own language, the road to recovery gets a lot shorter. People can move on, in a healthier way."

Lots of insight

Polish Paulina Kowalska works as a logistician in the AGF sector. Last year, a burnout caused her to sit at home temporarily: "I am one of those people who does not complain, but just keeps working. I did the same when my father died and not long after that my mother became ill and eventually died. Because of the shifts, I slept badly and there was a lot of pressure to work harder. One morning I was so tired and dizzy that I had to call in sick. Through the occupational health physician, I ended up with a psychologist who was able to treat me in my native language. She helped me enormously and gave me a lot of insight, so that this will not happen again so soon. I am doing very well now. I still work part-time, but will soon be able to return to work for 100%."