Personal problems can arise as a result of your psychological welfare, relationships, problems in your family, caring for a loved one (informal care), or your work/life balance. You may also need advice on practical matters such as assistance schemes, accommodation, financial worries and legal issues. All these things can have a big impact on your work.
Staff Welfare Office
If you are experiencing psychosocial problems, you can make an appointment with the Staff Welfare Office. Psychosocial problems relate to feelings and thoughts (psychological problems) and/or problems with other people or organisations (social problems).
You can make an appointment yourself, or alternatively you can be referred by the occupational health physician, HR or your manager.
Manager
You can talk to your manager about whether your work could be organised differently to help you find a solution. For example, you may be able to change your duties or working hours, either temporarily or permanently.
HR Advisor
The HR Advisor can advise you about your terms and conditions of employment and schemes that could help you (for example regarding informal care, special leave and other employment conditions).
If you have financial problems, the HR Advisor can help you explore your eligibility for all the different financial schemes offered by VU Amsterdam. They can also advise you on where you can get the support you need.
VU Amsterdam staff fund
If you are experiencing financial problems, the VU Amsterdam staff fund (in Dutch) may be able to help by offering an interest-free loan or, in some cases, a gift. The fund can also offer advice on debt restructuring. There is a form to fill in to ask them for help.