Triptych Marel
"Stronger together in development" | Kim
Marel is a world leader in transforming the way food is processed: In other words, supporting the production of high-quality, safe, and affordable food by providing software, services, systems, and solutions to the fish, meat, and poultry processing industries. Marel employs 7,000 people, who are committed every day to getting the best out of themselves. Marel actively encourages this. How?
You can read about it in the triptych below: Conversations with Vera (HR Business Partner), Lucas (Manager Manufacturing Engineering), and career advisor Kim from MEPD.
Always working on a future plan
As Marel’s collaborative partner, MEPD has provided career and second track programs for years. Since implementing the sustainable employability program ‘Samen Sterk’ (Stronger Together), MEPD has been structurally supporting Marel and its employees in development. In her role as career advisor, Kim guides multiple people with career questions that are present among employees. A striking phenomenon at Marel? The people are always working on a plan for the future.
High expectations of themselves
‘What strikes me at Marel are the high expectations employees have of themselves,’ says Kim. ‘They are so incredibly eager to make future plans; they’re afraid to stand still. They show initiative and take it upon themselves to start a development process. Often because they want something different, but (as yet) don’t know exactly what that should be. Because of the many opportunities available at Marel, it can sometimes also be difficult to make a good choice for the next step.
Development process as a catalyst
And that’s exactly what we are going to pause and reflect on. During the process, we discuss interests and ideas that fit their career path. An assessment or behavior-motivation scan sometimes provides completely new insights, but often it simply confirms what they already knew. The great thing about that is that it’s just the push they need. Moreover, it boosts their self-confidence. New opportunities often arise during the process as well. Suddenly, everything clicks. In that sense, you can see the development process as a catalyst.
A strong sense of responsibility
By talking with colleagues from other departments, they get to know the company better, as well as the different departments and colleagues. Moreover, they become more visible within the organization and are more noticeable when positions open up. It’s a win-win situation. Partly due to this drive for development, a strong sense of responsibility and possibility is created. This is clearly noticeable on the work floor. As a result, a wonderful culture of development arises, from which both the company and the people benefit,’ says Kim.
