draaglast

Draaglast is a Dutch noun formed from dragen (to carry) and last (load). It denotes the burden or load that a person, group, or system has to bear. The term can refer to a concrete load, such as financial obligations or physical labor, or to abstract burdens, such as stress, responsibilities, or moral duties.

In psychology and occupational health, draaglast is commonly discussed together with draagkracht, meaning the individual’s capacity to bear the load. The balance between draaglast and draagkracht influences well-being, stress levels, and the risk of burnout. Dutch professionals use the concept in workload management, risk assessments, and burnout prevention, with approaches that aim to reduce draaglast or enhance draagkracht.

Beyond work and health, the term appears in everyday language to describe the burdens people carry in life, such as caregiving, financial pressure, or social responsibilities. In religious or moral discourse, it may be used metaphorically to refer to bearing burdens or duties, occasionally framed as “carrying one’s cross.”

Usage and interpretation of draaglast can vary by context, but the core idea remains: it is the load or burden faced by someone, whether physical, emotional, social, or symbolic, and it is often considered in relation to the person’s ability to cope with it. See also draagkracht, burnout, and psychosocial workplace factors.