An early-stage problem discovery research initiative
CHILL-IN is an early-stage research initiative investigating how workplace stress develops in organizations. We conduct exploratory interviews to understand patterns and root causes.
CHILL-IN investigates workplace stress not just as a problem to fix, but as a potential source of insight into organizational dynamics. We're in an early research phase, conducting structured interviews to understand how organizations currently approach workplace stress.
Many organizations treat workplace stress primarily as an individual problem or compliance issue. We're exploring whether a more structural, systemic view might be useful, but we're testing this idea through interviews, not claiming proven solutions.
Our hypothesis is that workplace stress might signal organizational friction points, misalignments, or adaptation needs. However, we're in a discovery phase, learning from organizations through conversations.
We recognize that any future work involving stress data would raise important privacy and trust questions. Such work would require co-design with employees and legal review. We're currently focused on understanding the problems first.
Currently, we conduct interviews to understand how organizations interpret workplace stress, where existing approaches fall short, and what questions matter most to practitioners.
We welcome conversations with organizational leaders and HR professionals interested in joint exploration.
Core principles
Values shaping our research approach
Evidence-oriented
We ground our work in research and test assumptions through structured inquiry
Learning-focused
Every pilot is a learning opportunity, including null results
Practice-grounded
Approaches must work in real contexts, not just theoretically
Privacy-conscious
We treat information as confidential; any future data work would require co-design and legal review
Current phase: Early-stage discovery
CHILL-IN is in an early discovery phase. We are actively learning. Current activities:
- Conducting 20–30 min interviews with HR, managers, and employees about workplace stress experiences
- Testing small pilot ideas in collaborative settings (with clear research framing)
- Building relationships with organizations interested in joint exploration
- Refining our approach based on what we learn
We collaborate with organizations willing to explore together as we learn.
About the principal investigator
"CHILL-IN exists because human limits in organizational contexts can no longer be disregarded."
Paul approaches his work analytically and investigatively, guided by a pursuit of understanding and conceptual clarity. His bachelor thesis on workplace stress established the academic foundation for this research.
Through professional experience, Paul gained understanding of what people need to function effectively: genuine recognition, psychological safety, and authentic connection, especially in contexts where emotional experience is often overridden.
This shapes his perspective on technology: it should serve human interests, not override them. Too often, technology overstimulates or accumulates as burden rather than support.
Human needs and boundaries are central to CHILL-IN's approach. The current phase focuses on learning from practice: understanding problems before determining solutions. CHILL-IN exists because human limits in organizational contexts can no longer be disregarded.
Questions about the research or methodology? Get in touch
Interested in collaborative exploration?
Questions about CHILL-IN, our research approach, or potential collaboration? We welcome structured dialogue.
Initial contact establishes no obligation to proceed or share information beyond what you choose.
Or email us: info@chill-in.nl