Jan Popma analysed and explained the way in which aspects seen as intangible working conditions are dealt with in legislation and in practice in the Netherlands. These aspects - such as stress, mental load and quality of work - have in fact been covered by Dutch legislation since 1980, that is to say, quite some time before the adoption and implementation of the Community Framework Directive. Nonetheless, the Netherlands has a high and increasing rate of incapacity for work due to psychological problems.

Jan Popma's analysis enables us to identify the pitfalls to be avoided when dealing with well-being at work. In this way, it contributes to the development of trade union strategies for improving the well-being and mental health of workers.