Just to introduce myself…
In each new edition of De Veer we would like to introduce one or two members of the program office. The program office is a group of colleagues who help give form to the new program aimed at long-term employability. Why exactly do they find long-term employability important and what drives them? In this edition we talk to Bernold Leferink
Bernold Leferink
Functions(s): Process Engineer
Years in service: 18
Why did you join the Marel Healthy Together program office?
OR members were already taking part in the then Marel Healthy Together program office. Marel Healthy Together is something of all of us for all of us. Naturally, everyone is in favour of long-term employability. It’s about a continuous search for balance between facilitation, one’s own responsibility and respect for one’s personal life. It’s good that this is not just being given form from ‘above’ or by the HR department.
What does long-term employability mean for you? And for Marel?
As long as you derive energy from what you do, you are employable. Work that just costs energy, for whatever reason, cannot be for the long term. For Marel it is important that employees feel comfortable in their skin. This has to deliver something concrete, for example improved productivity or less absence sick. Marel accepts the consequence that investment will sometimes be necessary to contribute towards this.
How do you yourself ensure that you stay employable long term?
I had an unsatisfactory score for exercise in the Marel Healthy Together program. Since then I have been taking walks during the lunch break and run on average some 20-25 kilometers a week, split over three evenings. This makes me feel good. I also find it important to learn or take up new things. Whether they are really new or just going deeper into or an improvement of something already existing is less important to me. This keeps the spirit fresh!
Which of the four themes is the most important for you (at this moment)? Why?
I can’t make a choice here. To keep on developing yourself is a prerequisite for being employable long term. A good work/life balance is fine when you have young children at home. I am lucky to still have some room for movement and cannot complain. Health is, I think, a measure of quality of life for many people. Social safety I find also important and fits in with the spirit of the times. I think that it was a very good choice to give it its own explicit name as part of the all-embracing concept of ‘safety’.
What do you think of the new program Together Strong?
In my estimation the themes suit both Marel and employees well. Not everything that we are doing is new. It has, however, been brought together under a clear denominator. The program itself only facilitates. Hopefully, it will do this well so that both employees and coaches find they have more support or find the right way more easily.
What is your wish for Marel employees with this new program?
That it will be normal for each employee to talk to his immediate manager about long-term employability, openly and in a mutually respectful and understanding setting. Also and especially if the reason for the talk is not so pleasant! At the end of the day, the program is no more than an aid to start doing something on a factual basis if the situation warrants it.
