Abstract Objectives We investigated the perspective on workload within the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, part of the Dutch armed forces. Methods This qualitative study follows an emergent design based on Grounded Theory principles and used semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 91 Royal Netherlands Marechaussee employees. The interviews (n = 31) and focus groups (n = 14) were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by two researchers (CB and JZ) according to comparative data analysis. Results Participants believed the perception of workload to be more important than the actual workload. Furthermore, participants mentioned that indirect factors, such as organizational factors and recruitment, could modulate their workload perception. Conclusions The perception of workload is key within the context of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Modifiable factors related to the perceived workload could facilitate employee well-being without reducing the actual workload.