Theme 'Finding and keeping good staff' central at VMRG and VKG Executive Day

Did you know that an average window frame production worker currently has a choice of 64 jobs and 45% older than 50? And do you know how to ensure that this employee chooses you? That you stand out among all those vacancies and generate interest in your company? But also which demographic developments influence the labor market and how you can adjust your personnel policy and labor market communication accordingly?

Inspiration for the right match
At a beautiful location in Maarssen, these questions were asked, discussed and answered during the Management Day on January 29 of VMRG and VKG Keurmerk. Because what company does not struggle with keeping the factory and office well stocked? Ensuring that all projects and production keep running. And that in a fine cooperation and atmosphere. With over 100 executives from both industries in the room, different approaches and wishes were discussed.

Understand your employees
As professor of social demography at the University of Amsterdam, Jan Latten is the expert on demographic developments and their translation to the labor market. He took the board members present through the perils of different generations, the growth in the number of immigrants and its influence on the labor market. Jan Latten's message was strong in content and supported with dry humor: make sure you understand your staff, that you know what is going on privately and how that affects their performance. But also take into account the birth of The Big I. The young generation with a different life goal than previous generations. It requires a different leadership style and interpretation of being a good employer. Being a coach instead of a boss.

What does your company really offer?
The ladies of Happy Capital HRM Annelies van Toledo, Margriet Kanik and Marieke de Wildt connect organizations and talents. With enthusiasm and energy they gave an actual and real look into the motives of potential employees. What will you use to trigger them to choose you? How do you ensure that you attract the right candidate? A good salary is certainly important. Decisive too? Usually not.

Hugely important is to be as specific as possible in job postings. Don't write "good fringe benefits" but name these conditions! Do you offer a sports membership? Training opportunities? A permanent contract at the start? Flexible working hours and responsibilities? Make it clear what you have to offer as a company and make sure you have a real conversation with a candidate. Know what drives him or her and if that matches your company's DNA, you will have a lasting match!

Seed planted
The Executive Day was an energizing afternoon with lots of energy, interaction and knowledge transfer. During the drinks and dinner, the analyses on one's own organization continued. The seed has been planted. VMRG and VKG Keurmerk look back on a successful Management Day 2019.  

Text and image: VKG Hallmark