How can you stay functioning well when the workload increases? During the ICD HR knowledge circle on Thursday 1 October, stress, focus and behavior were the focus. The meeting took place at BD Kiesstra, or Waters Advanced Diagnostics in Drachten. Sports and performance psychologist Renate Hensen by Improve your Mind shared insights and practical tips during her interactive presentation.

Differences in how stress is handled
Everyone reacts differently to pressure. One person immediately takes action, while the other wants to analyze everything first. Both reactions have advantages, but can also be counterproductive. For example, someone who acts too quickly takes more risks. Someone who lingers too long can miss opportunities. Self-awareness helps to find the balance in this. By recognizing your own reaction to stress, you can choose how you act more consciously.

Focus on what you can influence
Hensen emphasized that thoughts, feelings, and behavior influence each other, but do not completely determine them. You can experience tension and still act purposefully. Thoughts and feelings provide information, but do not have to dictate your choices. A practical tip is to, in the midst of busy work, return your attention to one concrete task. Ask yourself: What can I do now to take a step forward? This is how you make a large or turbulent work situation more manageable.

Sharing knowledge within the ICD
The HR Knowledge Circle brings together HR professionals from ICD companies 4 times a year around current topics. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, participants gain new insights that they can apply in their own organization. This meeting provided practical starting points for being more mindful of work stress, performance pressure, and focus.

