Dirk Antonissen began his career in 1986 as a psychologist and researcher at the University of Antwerp.
After transitioning to management and consultancy roles, he ventured into international business in Central Asia, founding a consulting firm in Kazakhstan and leading projects in Kyrgyzstan funded by the European Commission.
From 2000 to 2023, Dirk served as CEO and Managing Partner of ISW (later Pulso Group), transforming it into a recognised European company specialising in workplace psychosocial well-being. Following the sale of Pulso Group, he joined Human & Work as a Partner, later assuming the role of EMEA Lead for Research and Insights at TELUS Health post-acquisition.
We are delighted that Dirk will be speaking in Zurich as part of our European Summit. We caught up with him to find out how he’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Dirk, we are thrilled that you will be speaking at the Wellbeing at Work Europe Summit in May. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I’m currently enjoying some Easter holidays in beautiful Portugal with my family and close friends. At the same time, I’m really looking forward to joining the Wellbeing at Work Summit — it’s energizing to connect with a community that’s not just talking about wellbeing but actively shaping the future of work.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
Sustaining momentum. Many organisations are launching wellbeing initiatives with great intent, but now it’s about embedding them structurally — into strategy, leadership, culture, and systems.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
Data-driven personalization. More and more companies are combining global insights with local nuance to help organisations move from generic support to tailored strategies that actually resonate with people.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
The theme of evidence-based approaches to employee wellbeing is at the crossroads of my passions as an entrepreneur, clinical psychologist, and mathematical psychologist. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how we can truly help organisations leverage wellbeing — and, as a result, boost performance. That’s both fulfilling and, I have to admit, a bit addictive.
What impact is AI having in your organisation and how are you managing that?
AI is helping us better identify and understand opportunities, risks, and trends in real time. It’s powerful when paired with empathy and ethics.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
With the increase in remote work, feelings of loneliness and social isolation are becoming more prevalent. There’s a growing need to foster social connections and improve virtual communication skills.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Equipping people managers. They’re central to how wellbeing is experienced day to day. Also: prevention, inclusion, and psychological safety — the basics that make everything else possible.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
Yes, it’s increasing — but in a more intentional way. Leaders want to see measurable outcomes, not just good intentions. That’s where clear metrics and integration into business strategy become essential.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
We combine world-class clinical expertise with advanced analytics and a human-centered approach. Whether it’s through global insights like our Mental Health Index or local solutions for clients, we’re helping organizations turn complexity into clarity — and action.
Dirk will be speaking in Zurich at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Europe which takes place in Zurich on 13th May and in Amsterdam on 15th May. Further details on the Summit and tickets can be found here.
