The FNV union is very concerned about the working atmosphere at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (VWS). Following a series of “alarming complaints”, FNV launched a survey among members working in the ministry. According to FNV, the results paint a picture of a toxic and unsafe work environment.
The union is calling on the ministry to take action, and VWS says it is doing so. For example, it was decided to conduct a new employee survey on workplace etiquette and social security. “The results of the FNV survey among some of our employees are conflicting,” senior ministry officials said in an internal email seen by NOS.
When asked, the CNV and De Unie unions said they had not received similar signals from ministry members.
The reason for FNV’s “exploratory investigation” was a series of reports submitted to the union. Later, nearly 100 people out of approximately 6 thousand ministry employees participated in the survey. Although the research is not representative, according to FNV, the reactions are so strong that the alarm is now clearly expressed.
Bullying and intimidation
The findings point to a “bigger problem” concentrated in three divisions of the ministry. Bullying and intimidation are discussed. FNV says there are people who have suicidal thoughts.
“It appears that a working atmosphere has developed at VWS that is toxic and has very negative consequences for the officials working there,” says FNV vice president Kitty Jong. Approximately two-thirds of the reports concern managers. According to journalists, some got into mischief and held their hands over each other’s heads.
“We take this signal very seriously.”
“It is painful to have employees who do not feel safe,” the ministry head writes. “We take this signal very seriously.” Employees are encouraged to report if they think they are being treated inappropriately.
The employee survey described aims to provide information on how all employees experience the work environment. “We cannot and should not wait for this.”
A similar external survey conducted earlier this year showed “a largely positive assessment of social security and etiquette,” the official leadership wrote. But in some places things went “less well”. According to senior officials, a number of measures have been taken in response. “But it looks like more is needed.”
New research results may lead to additional measures being taken, but measures will also be taken in the short term. According to the Ministry, the issue of “safe working environment” will come to the fore in management programs.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
