About 25 years of Antar Shoe & connecting people
An indelible impression, a conclusive process, an indispensable service: it is our people who make that happen. Everyone within his or her own expertise and in his or her own way.
In A Great Fit we talk to our employees about what makes their jobs so interesting. This time the word: Rieneke van Loo, from HR.
How do you describe your job, if someone asks at a birthday party what you do?
'I started as an administrative assistant when there were only six of us. I did that for many years until Inge (our CFO) asked me to become an HR officer. After part-time training, I am now a point of contact and confidant for our team of 23. I really enjoy having conversations with staff, connecting people and helping them feel good about their jobs. Antar Shoe is a small organization, so there are lots of opportunities and your duties soon become diverse.'
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What happens when someone in your position does their job very well?
"Connection is very important in this position and I am grateful to be able to take on this role. I hope I can contribute to how people feel here and how well they get along with each other. That comes with trial and error; I'm learning every day. We have a great team and because I've been here so long, I also get the chance to really build a bond. When people want to confide in me how they are doing, or what is bothering them, I find that very special.'
What typifies the people at Antar Shoe?
'People are very involved with each other and are ready for each other. With attention, time or an extra card at important moments. We are kind to each other - perhaps sometimes too kind, in which case things could be more direct and open. We are working on that! Because I like to think: what you lack in talents, you can find in someone else. And for that you have to be open and seek each other out. Someone who is very tight in the game and mainly focuses on their own development would not fit in here. Drive is top, but relaxation and humor are also very important for teamwork.'
"I am someone of the lasting connection, so my long time with this company suits me well.
How does it feel to have worked here for 25 years?
'Very strange. It has flown by. So much has happened: I have experienced many beautiful and sad moments with employees on a personal level. That's how you build a special bond with each other. And then there are all the developments within Antar Shoe that I was able to experience up close. New brands, team growth and digitization - when I started here, I was 27 and still had to enter purchase invoices by hand! Through all the developments I still find satisfaction and challenge in my work and I am very grateful to Marco and Inge for the opportunities I have been given.
25 years of Antar Shoe - what has been the most significant change for you?
'Many brands have been added, like most recently Hot Potatoes. But the biggest change for my work is about the role of work in people's lives. Work is no longer in the first place. That makes it more important that we stand out and appeal to people with our job postings. Moreover, people's demands towards an employer have changed. That sometimes takes some getting used to. Small example: about fresh fruit at work I first thought 'won't fruit be wasted?', but you have to be open to new ideas - because now it's a great success!
What recent development are you proud of?
"Together with external advisor Anique from Werklef, we raised the employee satisfaction score from a nice 8, to 8.5. We now use quarterly meetings to ensure that objectives are brought to life. Think of cost savings: what does that mean for which department? Each team lead then explains to everyone what their team is working on, and as a result we know how to find each other much better than a while ago."
"Everyone is very positive about it, so I keep encouraging everyone: what do you see? What do you notice? Ask questions! And share your ideas. Because maybe things could be different, better! It's important to be open to new perspectives, especially from new employees. And I myself like to receive feedback. It's obviously vulnerable work that I do, so I like to keep learning.'
Written by Ellis Marsman, copywriter for Antar Shoe
