Liesbeth, 'at home' at Caldic Techniek for 25 years

In June 1999, I started as “Executive Secretary” and was told I would “do human resources on the side. At the time, my role was mainly executive; I worked closely with the then director, noting and working out letters in shorthand, for example, as well as meetings. The HR part of my duties did not take up as much time at that time.

My duties are diverse and numerous; from booking flights and hotels to managing the fleet of vehicles, from sick days to farewell parties and highlighting jubilees. I also organize weekends away with employees and their partners and arrange training. Many tasks also fall under the role of an office manager, so I am often the spider in the web. When you have been part of an organization for so long, people always know where to find you.

Over twelve years ago a new director Martin Marquering arrived, which of course brought changes in my role. We have a nice cooperation and I am not so much executing for him. I now hold a staff position where I also have contact with the members of the management team, both on organizational matters, and also on the employees on their team.

The HR profession itself has also changed tremendously. There is now much more focus on the employees, and much more of my time now goes into HR tasks. At Caldic Techniek, we have an eye for each other and try to think in solutions, both if someone is struggling with something on a business or personal level. It is rewarding when you can help someone with something and they are relieved and happy afterwards.
Satisfied employees are crucial to the success of a company.

The relaxed atmosphere is one of the things I like most about Caldic Techniek. As colleagues we have nice contact with each other and the atmosphere is loose and informal. With about 40 employees, we know each other well and share work-related matters as well as personal moments.

I also like the dynamics within our company. Besides our office, we also have a nice CNC production area and a generator workshop that is sometimes full of large generators, as well as a logistics department. I love that bustle, and seeing the products we sell, and my colleagues working on them.

Finding good new colleagues is currently one of our biggest challenges. Many positions require technical training, and those people are hard to find. In addition, we are striving to rejuvenate our organization.

At Caldic Techniek, I have been contributing for 25 years to a company where I feel at home. The diversity of my tasks and the pleasant working atmosphere make every day a new challenge. I am therefore looking forward to working together with my colleagues for many more years on the success of our company.