'Creating an open and inviting work environment'

GMP+ International’s Human Resources department ensures that the company’s workforce is aligned with its core values. HR is a strategic sounding board for the Management and offers support in achieving organisational goals. It supports employees in adapting to strategic directions of the company and supports them in matters of working conditions and employment contracts.

What were the biggest changes in 2021 to the internal GMP+ International organisation?

Roland – ‘The management transition and the new organizational structure. Johan stepped down as Managing Director and took on his new role as parttime Business Development Director. We attracted Bram Schuit for the new function of Commercial Director, while I took on the role as the new Managing Director.’

‘In addition to the management transition, we streamlined our internal organisation by merging departments. Certification & Compliance joined Standards & Feed Support Products in the new Scheme & Customer service department. In addition, Office Management, Business Information Management, Finance, and Support, now together form the new Business Operations department. Martin van den Bedum was named Business Operations Director. These changes enable us to work more efficiently and better support each other.’

2021 marked the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. How did this affect the organisation?

Roland – ‘While 2020 was a year of adjusting, in 2021 remote working became the new normal. Still, we felt responsible for creating a healthy working environment for our employees. That is why we provided them with the means to organise their workspace at home.’

‘Despite the fact that remote working obviously has its downsides, the pandemic did bring out great creativity and collegiality. The team was in touch with each other constantly, and individuals took initiatives for digital quizzes, informal meetings, drinks, and even healthy food packages that were delivered to everyone at home. That tells you a lot about our team.’

And when colleagues return to the office, they won’t find the same office they left, correct?

Roland – ‘That’s right. We completely redesigned and redecorated our headquarters in Rijswijk, The Netherlands. We wanted our offices to be an open, inviting and inspirational meeting space, instead of having all these walls separating the different teams. We have flexible work spaces, so everybody is free to sit wherever he or she pleases. This improves office collaboration and sparks creativity.’