‘I grew up in an entrepreneurial family: work never stopped, no wasn’t an option, and the customer always had to be kept happy. There’s nothing wrong with working hard, but over the course of my career I’ve learned that well-being is a prerequisite for hard work. This starts with knowing yourself well: What are my values? Why do I do what I do? And why does it matter to others? This process was sped up incredibly for me when our son Guus became very sick three years ago. He was only three and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Intensive chemotherapy treatment followed. I wanted to be there for him, and Witteveen+Bos gave me all the time I needed. It all went positively and Guus is doing well now. When I was ready to get back to work, they asked me: ‘José, what do you want?’. My answer to that question was to focus on well-being.’

‘This risk analysis revealed, among other things, that our company’s matrix structure demands extra effort from employees in terms of self-regulation. So we hired an occupational social worker that employees can go to for help. Our Energetic Employees programme is also supporting the positive steps we’re taking as a company on well-being. And in one of our business lines, a pilot on energy management is underway. Employees can do their own energy analysis, and once a month they’re asked about how they perceive their energy balance. This provides insights and helps start conversations with colleagues and managers. Self-awareness can take us far – I believe that. My advice is also to stay positive and be realistic. Emotions are normal. But ask yourself what they’re trying to tell you, and appreciate that the truth is bigger than what you perceive.’