Our 2,469 employees are spread across 70 branches in 32 countries. Women comprise 30% of the total workforce, men comprise 70%. Our employees represent 58 different nationalities and bring in different cultural backgrounds, religions, customs and habits.
Van Leeuwen is an attractive employer as a company with great ambitions and a highly stable player in the market. We stand for a culture in which open and fair communication is key and in which individuals are free to be the best they can be. It is essential that employees understand what their role and contribution is, and that they are appreciated for their commitment. Sharing information, providing direction and clarity, and having the right conversations are important in this respect.
Performance management cycle
With our performance management cycle we aim to support the continuous development process and the achievement of results. The individual and team objectives are derived from the organization’s strategic objectives. On the basis of this cycle we monitor the progress of plans and stimulate the growth of knowledge, skills and capacities of our people. In 2021, we initiated the implementation of the performance management cycle and it was further developed in 2022 and 2023. At fixed times each year, all employees discuss their objectives for the year, as well as their own progress. This creates a structured talent development approach. We promote the growth of our employees through means of open and motivated dialogues about their learning needs, goals and future plans. Our employees take control over their own development, with the support of their manager.
New talent
Also in 2023, we focused on attracting new employees using an innovative approach. With the international expansion of our recruitment website and innovative social media campaigns, we attracted the attention of promising high potentials all over the world who have come to strengthen our team. In 2023, various new colleagues were hired throughout the world. Approximately 70% of these new employees is younger than 40 years of age; 36% is female, which is higher than the current 30% average. Our onboarding process helps new employees to become familiar with all facets of the business. In 2023, we further expanded our successful trainee program for driven young professionals.
Career advancement opportunities
At Van Leeuwen we attach a great deal of importance to having talented, driven employees who are prepared to tackle challenges and occupy key positions. This is why we offer carefully selected candidates efficient coaching to enable them to quickly integrate into their new role. In 2023, we started to develop custom-made development plans for our senior managers, as well as their successors. This way we ensure that our company’s expertise and values are sustainably transferred over the long term. We believe in the importance of continuous learning and developing skills. This is why we offer all employees a broad library of e-learnings, so that everyone, collectively or alone, can continue learning. We are a company that considers development key, where talent thrives and leadership from within is encouraged. This helps us attract and retain the best people and to reinforce our image as attractive employer.
HR digitalization
In 2023, HR, by making use of Workday as its HR information system, supported the business with online learning and standardized, digitalized recruitment and performance management processes for all levels at Van Leeuwen. In addition, key HR KPIs were defined and maintained via a monthly HR dashboard, including personnel numbers, turnover, gender ratios, job vacancies, applications and absenteeism rates. These results are shared and discussed with regional directors in order to determine actions and improvements. This way, the contribution of the HR strategy to the company’s objectives is measurable.
Van Leeuwen aims for balanced gender and cultural diversity levels within the various operating companies throughout the world and in management teams. We continue to be actively committed to an inclusive and diverse working environment.