They transfer knowledge that we can independently build upon.

Sick leave policy is more than just laws and regulations, as they know at Flowfirm in Veghel. The workforce of this high-quality supplier of installations for the Food & Beverage industry has grown rapidly from 40 to 135 employees. A proactive sick leave policy was therefore desired. In De Verzuimmakelaar, they found the right partner.

Michiel Werner, managing director and owner: “In the past four years, we have grown autonomously with Flowfirm as well as through acquisitions in the market. As a result, our workforce has increased enormously in a short time, up to 135 employees. It would be a missed opportunity not to implement a proactive sick leave policy.”

Going the extra mile
Michiel got into conversation with Mirelle Klijs from De Verzuimmakelaar. “Mirelle told me about her ambition to set up an occupational health service alongside her reintegration company 2de Spoor. But it had to be an organization that goes a step further. That really appealed to me. We took on the challenge together. A positive sick leave policy, both for the company and the employees, that is essentially the core. We wanted a win-win situation.”

Open and clear
Clearly defining needs and expressing expectations towards each other is the way this goal is achieved. Leonie van Iersel, as management assistant, took on the sick leave policy: “For me, it’s an expansion of my duties; I haven’t followed any specific occupational health and absenteeism training. De Verzuimmakelaar provides me with the right support. They are open and clear, don’t beat around the bush, and that’s great. This has allowed me to grow in this role. Conversely, they ask for honest feedback, which they can also learn from. It’s truly a fruitful collaboration.”

The difference
So where exactly is that difference? Leonie: “At De Verzuimmakelaar, they are always available, no question is too much, and the work is properly handed over if my contact person Myrtille happens to be unavailable. They have really immersed themselves in our culture—a growing Brabant company in the process industry—and go much further than just laws and regulations. They share their knowledge with me without hesitation, so I am lifted to a higher level and can continue independently. I now have weekly contact with sick employees to ask how they are really doing. This way, as a socially responsible employer, you can show your involvement and employees feel seen and heard. This creates a genuine bond and employees truly feel part of the company.”

Absenteeism decreased
The intensive contact is paying off. “I notice that employees keep me much more informed. Moreover, the percentage of short-term absenteeism has dropped significantly. If someone is often sick for a day, I now know there’s more going on. Then I sit down with that person to look for a solution together, even if the problem is in their private life. Through De Verzuimmakelaar, we bring in a party that fits the help request, such as a psychologist or budget coach: that’s faster than via the regular route. It’s better to offer help at an early stage than to wait until it becomes a big problem and someone is out for a long time. Happy employees who enjoy their work—that’s our goal,” Leonie concludes enthusiastically.

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