Jumbo: From shopping to feeling at home
A wonderful mix of languages and cultures
Nazanin Nakisai from Iran always did her shopping at Jumbo Eindhoven Victoriapark. Until she saw a vacancy and decided to apply. Now she works there herself, in the DKW department and sometimes in the bakery. She has been living in the Netherlands for two and a half years now.
‘The best thing about my job? That I get to work with colleagues and customers all day long,’ says Nazanin. ‘It's a wonderful mix of the Dutch language and customs, and those of so many other cultures.’
You experience that mix as soon as you walk into the shop. Mike Gerrits, assistant branch manager at the same branch, says: ‘What immediately struck me when I started here two years ago was the large number of colleagues who don't speak Dutch. That took some getting used to. At my previous shop, I was used to communicating in Dutch.’
Communication is a joint effort
It took some getting used to for Mike, but communication is now going increasingly well. ‘I find these international colleagues to be hard-working and motivated. They are happy to work long hours and show a lot of commitment. Sometimes it's a bit more difficult to have an informal chat, but ultimately we understand each other perfectly well.’
Nazanin is learning Dutch through online lessons and apps on her phone. ‘I think it's important to learn the language. It's not just about communicating effectively, but also about showing respect for the culture of the community. It's about building stronger relationships and integrating into your living environment.’
And she feels that. ‘Learning Dutch has made communication smoother and more understandable, both with customers and colleagues. In my daily life, I feel more independent and more integrated. I feel more at home.’
Working bilingually
Jumbo has a bilingual policy. Dutch and English are the working languages on the shop floor. This makes it easier for international colleagues to get started and quickly feel part of the team.
Jumbo offers various Dutch and English training courses via its online learning platform, such as “Nederlands op het werk”. This is specifically offered to colleagues from Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, particularly within the supply chain.
Mike notices the difference in his daily work: ‘My English has improved considerably over the past two years. In general, I find working with international colleagues to be a positive and enriching experience. It's a unique experience.’
Diversity brings new perspectives
Why does Nazanin think it is important for companies to be open to international employees? ‘Because international people can bring different new perspectives, ideas and experiences. It can also lead to more creativity, innovation and adaptability.’
That diversity makes Jumbo stronger. In the shop, at head office, in the distribution centres: everywhere you work with people from different cultures. That requires flexibility and openness, but it also yields so much.
Mike agrees: ‘It can be a challenge during the holidays. Many internationals travel to their home countries to visit family, especially in December. That's understandable, of course, but it can lead to temporary understaffing. But that's a small price to pay for what we get in return: motivated colleagues who work hard and enjoy working at Jumbo.’
Stronger together
Whether you come from Iran, Bulgaria, Romania or the Netherlands, at Jumbo it's all about working together to provide the best service to customers. Language is a means to an end, not a barrier. With patience, understanding and a little creativity, you can always find a way.
Nazanin sums it up nicely: ‘Working for such a typically Dutch brand as Jumbo, even though I'm international myself? I think that's really special. It gives me the opportunity to really get to know Dutch culture, while sharing my own background with colleagues and customers.’
And Mike? He has learned his lesson: ‘It took some getting used to, but I wouldn't want it any other way. These international colleagues complete our team.’