"We may be addicted to absenteeism" - Robert van de Graaf on addiction in a broad sense

When you think of addiction, you probably think of alcohol, smoking or drugs. But according to physician Robert van de Graaf, that picture is far too limited. In episode #31 of the Anders Denken Podcast, he explains how we as a society - and in the workplace - have become addicted to comfort and quick fixes.

From rescue work to medicalization

Robert worked as an addiction specialist for many years. He saw addiction being increasingly medicalized and seen less as a behavioral problem. "We forget that many consumer behaviors - eating, sitting, scrolling - activate the same reward mechanisms in our brain as substance use," he says.

The role of organizations

In the workplace, Robert sees the same patterns. Prolonged sitting, snacking during work, or constantly checking your phone: it affects performance and health. His advice to organizations: develop a broad consumption policy, focusing not only on means, but also on behavior.

Culture as leverage

Behavior change works better when the norm shifts. Robert gives the example of the medical world, where smoking was once the norm. "Only when the culture changed did mass smoking behavior disappear," he says.

Sober working as the new norm

For Robert, being sober means more than not consuming alcohol or drugs. It's about being clear, focused and present. "Make sure you have the right conversation, that you address each other, and that as an organization you don't medicalize unnecessarily."

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Listen to a new episode of the Anders Denken Podcast every last Thursday of the month. This podcast stimulates, informs and inspires in the field of Sustainable Employability.