Colbe

Over the past period, I have shared a great deal about collective betterment – the idea that inspired the name Colbe. The overwhelming response to those posts shows that many people recognise the need for something better. For themselves and with each other.

Where there's a will, there's a way

The working population forms the beating heart of our society, but is struggling. Ageing demographics and mental health problems are testing our resilience and sustainable employability. The figures speak for themselves. This poses a threat to our economy, labour market and social provisions.

We stand at a crossroads. More and more people want to move beyond polarisation and are tired of political squabbling. We yearn for connection, collaboration, and progress.

I believe that work is a source of positive health, personal development and happiness in life. That's why the transformation from Zorg van de Zaak Netwerk to Colbe is much more than a name change. It's the start of a movement. A movement of people who want to contribute to a new normal and better morale. For a sustainable future together.

Towards a culture where people are at the centre. Where organisations base their choices, processes and ways of interaction on what is good for people, not only on what is efficient, profitable or traditional. It's about recognition, appreciation and trust in who people are and what they need to come into their own.

Such a culture not only works more pleasantly, but also performs better. Because when people feel part of their team and organisation, they get more out of themselves – and each other. Not rocket science, but achievable with the right will. I believe in that. In fact: I'm going for it!

It starts with you

Getting better together requires something from all of us. Including myself as a director of our collective, I realise. I want to be more visible in the organisation. So not only in contact with the management of our companies, but also with team leaders, young professionals, senior experts and talents.

That's why I have personally invited all my colleagues to connect via LinkedIn so that we can stay informed about each other in that way, too. I contribute to the onboarding, talent and leadership programmes, management days and online updates. And I gladly participate in the sporting, professional and celebratory moments of connection that we organise through our FiT club.

But perhaps even more importantly, I don't just want to tell people what needs to happen; above all, I want to listen and understand what's going on in the teams. To help where necessary. For example, by making resources available, bringing coherence to projects, simplifying procedures, automating administration and making data work for our professionals and clients.

Change is joining in or letting go

I see more and more managers and employees participating in the various activities and making their contributions. That's wonderful to see. I also see some colleagues leaving. For example, because their task is completed, the role no longer fits or because new opportunities beckon outside the organisation. The honest conversation about this is sometimes difficult, but important. To keep moving and growing. We need everyone badly in the labour market.

Moving forward together

Colbe stands for building better together. From conviction and responsibility. Only in this way can we meet the challenges of our time.

With 2,000 colleagues, 65,000 clients and 1,300,000 affiliated workers, I see great potential and a bright perspective. I invite everyone who recognises themselves in this movement – as a colleague, client, business partner or critical ally – to participate, think along and help build.

Forward with a mission. Forward together. Forward with Colbe.