In gesprek met klanten - #1 B.A.C.U. ‘’Het voelt echt alsof jullie casemanager een collega is.’’

You’ve most likely tried one of their products before. Whether it’s a cake from your local supermarket, a sausage roll to go with your soup, or a tasty cookie with your coffee, BACU is undeniably a major player in the world of bread and pastries.

BACU has been a client of De Verzuimmakelaar since 2018. Sanne Reijbroek, HR Business Partner at BACU: “I would describe the collaboration between us and De Verzuimmakelaar as flexible. They are truly an HR partner who thinks along with you, monitors the situation, and provides guidance when needed—and one you can rely on when necessary. It really feels like your case manager is a colleague.”

“We regularly review the approach to cases and broader trends in absenteeism together. At the same time, we remain critical of everyone’s role in the process and how we can fulfill it as effectively as possible: that is the approach we take. Sometimes the manager themselves initiates the conversation with the employee. At other times, HR or the case manager is asked to join the conversation,” says Reijbroek.

Gray, Black, and White

But it doesn’t always go smoothly. According to Reijbroek, cultural differences within the company and the organization sometimes make things difficult. “Take Poland, for example. There, you’re either sick and get a doctor’s note, or you’re not. It’s black and white. In the Netherlands, it’s gray,” she explains, “Think of things like accumulating hours in a different role and reintegration.” Training managers helps equip them better for their roles. With the right knowledge and tools, they can conduct conversations with employees in a more focused and substantive way, allowing for greater attention to what’s really going on and what’s needed for reintegration.

According to Reijbroek, “Learning and Development” is high on the agenda for the coming period. “We want to teach our managers specific conversation techniques. Because changes in organizations can lead to friction. If you have the conversation early on, you can potentially nip absenteeism in the bud. Prevention is always better than cure.”

A great example of new initiatives is their own TopShop: a store where employees in the process of reintegration sell BACU products to BACU employees. And at the Almere location, the reception desk is staffed by employees who are in the process of reintegration.

Working Together to Reduce Absenteeism

Myrtille van Hout, case manager representing the Absenteeism Broker at BACU: “It’s great to see how well-coordinated and seamless the communication is between HR, the manager, and the case manager. That makes it very pleasant for everyone involved. The manager can always count on us. That builds trust. We also notice that our flexibility is greatly appreciated. For some cases, a phone consultation is sufficient, while others require a different approach.”

Reijbroek confirms this: “Over the past two years, we’ve made significant progress, reducing absenteeism from 10% to 6.5%. In addition to case follow-up, we also take a preventive approach. A good occupational health and safety service doesn’t make the difference on its own; a good occupational health and safety service ensures that the employer and the manager can make the difference and assists them in doing so. And the Verzuimmakelaar does that like no other.”

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