Director's Day is all about setting the course. About strategy, growth, and continuity. But one topic is still too often missing from the agenda in many boardrooms: mental health. And that is striking, because that is precisely where there is an increasing risk for organizations.
*Yet is part of Colbe and works closely with ZekerArbo
Figures from ZekerArbo that 65 percent of Sickness Absence SMEs is psychological or relational in nature. Whereas physical complaints once predominated, it is now stress, mental overload, and disrupted working relationships that cause employees to take time off work.
For Helen van Empel, director of Yet, that is precisely why she finds herself in the director's chair, perhaps against her will.
"It's not that I was so keen to become director," says Van Empel. "But I believe so strongly in what we are making possible with Yet that I felt this had to happen."
That drive stems from her conviction that mental support should be more accessible and flexible. Not only intensive programs for people who are completely stuck, but also making room for what is going on earlier on. "People often keep going for too long; the threshold for asking for help is high. It's a shame, because research shows that one good session can be enough to get people back on track."
In her work, Van Empel sees every day how mental health issues rarely have a single cause. "Work pressure, personal issues, doubts, problems with colleagues—it all intertwines. And often people only realize in hindsight that it was actually too much."
It is particularly difficult to discuss this in smaller organizations. "You work closely together. The lines of communication are short, everyone knows each other. That makes it even more nerve-wracking to say: I'm not doing well at the moment."
This is also reflected in the figures:
Yet was born out of this reality: accessible, preventive mental health support through single session therapy. One conversation, within 72 hours, with a professional who is suited to the issue at hand.
“It’s not a therapy program, nor is it a quick fix,” explains Van Empel. “We’re not going to dig through someone’s entire life story. The goal is simple: to help someone take the next step forward from their current situation.”
That little push at the right moment can make a big difference. And often, one conversation is enough.
If you want to hear how diverse these conversations are, listen to the podcast in which Van Empel talks about Yet's practice:
or
Not every question requires the same expertise. That's why Yet works with nine types of professionals, from psychologists to work-life and career coaches. This ensures that everyone always has a conversation partner who is attuned to what's going on right now.
The effect is clear: by helping employees early on, before problems pile up, Sickness Absence is Sickness Absence prevented.
According to Van Empel, mental health is not just a matter for HR, but for senior management. "We focus on figures, processes, and performance. But when people become mentally stuck, it affects everything."
The business case is clear: Sickness Absence money, but presenteeism (being present but not really participating) often costs even more.
"We maintain our machines down to the last detail," she says. "But with people, we often wait until they break down."
Van Empel has a clear message for directors, especially those in smaller SMEs:
"A human approach is incredibly important. But you don't have to, and can't, solve everything yourself."
Some topics are simply too big, too personal, or too complex for the working relationship. "That's when it helps to call in an independent professional. Someone with whom an employee can talk freely, without you suddenly becoming a colleague, manager, and counselor all at once."
You don't have to, and you can't, solve everything yourself.
ZekerArbo Yet are working together to provide structural, preventive mental health support for SMEs. Accessible and practical, for example with posters and cards with a QR code that organizations can order online, allowing employees to request a consultation immediately.
With the aging population approaching 2040, the urgency is clear. Anyone who wants to build sustainable employability can no longer ignore mental health.
Don't wait until things go wrong, but make timely adjustments.
That's leadership that pays off.
services are now part of the occupational health and safety services provided by MKB FiT Premium and MKB FiT Excellent , giving entrepreneurs and their employees ZekerArbo access to fast, professional help via ZekerArbo .
