Interview Chantal Versteeg - Humanitas DMH

Chantal Versteeg, employability advisor at Humanitas DMH, together with an internal committee, chose to work with De Arbodienst two years ago. Humanitas DMH does not believe in long protocols, likes to think 'out of the box' and looks at people's possibilities. Something that fits exactly with the working method and vision of De Arbodienst. With over 1400 employees nationwide, Humanitas DMH now works closely with several employability teams of De Arbodienst. We spoke to Chantal about her experiences in this cooperation and her vision on sustainable employability in healthcare.

Chantal: "At Humanitas DMH, we value customization and believe in demedicalization. We were looking for an occupational health and safety service provider that looks beyond possible medical causes, that can manage behavior and that lets our managers stay in control. We want our managers to work from their existing skills and qualities, and from there to support further development. Previously a company doctor was affiliated with Humanitas DMH, but we believe that collaborating with De Arbodienst has added value. A full-service arbodienst provider working in the traditional way would be too much of a caretaker and would take control out of our hands. That's exactly what we don't want."

"Partnering with a Labor and Health Advisor consists of providing expertise when it is needed, but also monitoring the Wet Verbetering Poortwachter and reducing occupational risks. Our executives do not all have the full experience and expertise in long-term absenteeism management, conducting absenteeism and care interviews, and identifying bottlenecks and risks in labor. Each rayon has approximately up to 15 executives, their own Labor and Health Advisor and associated employability team. This way of working helps Humanitas DMH managers to continue doing what they are good at. The Labor and Health Advisor supports and advises on areas for further development."

The fact that the visions align also works well for cooperation. Chantal: "We believe more in 'out of the box' solutions than just following protocols. You also have to have some guts to do things differently, and that is where De Arbodienst and Humanitas DMH find each other. The cooperation is pleasant; there is easily accessible contact, there are short lines and we can tell each other anything. I am very honest and direct, so I speak mainly of a partnership in which Humanitas DMH also has an important share. Every three weeks we sit down together to discuss the latest developments and current dossiers."

The care sector often employs committed people with a great sense of responsibility. Chantal also sees this at Humanitas DMH: "Care is always about boundaries and the higher the pressure in society, the more our people go beyond their limits. Care is a special, complex and intense culture to work in."

"If healthcare employees learn to take more care of themselves, much healthier behavior can result."

There is a lot of focus on absenteeism, specifically the absenteeism caused by mental illness. "When we talk about developing a healthy organizational culture, an important focus for healthcare is how people help each other and themselves. That starts with awareness and working with the undercurrent. Issues such as "How do you take care of each other?", and most importantly, "How do you take care of yourself?" get attention. It is important to develop personal leadership so that the employee himself chooses increasingly healthier behaviors.

An important part of this is to put the right people in key positions who also lead by example in this. Good exemplary behavior will lead the way, not only among managers but also among colleagues. Be aware of what you are doing. You are setting something in motion that will have a positive effect on the culture. We are working towards an organization where absenteeism is ultimately a marginal element."

"Occupational health and safety services are people's work; the person can really make the difference. Besides having an established partnership with De Arbodienst , we also structurally or situationally deploy other labels of paraDIGMA groep . My goal for the coming years is to grow this partnership even further. The relationship manager of De Arbodienst looks together with us at sustainable employability; what can we do about it and how can we positively influence it. My vision for the future is to create such an optimal working environment that absenteeism is no longer relevant. We are not there yet, but the goal is to grow happiness at work, job satisfaction and being meaningful in a healthy way."

Does the approach and vision of De Arbodienst appeal to you and are you curious what we can do for you? Then contact us on 088 031 32 00.