'Connecting and understanding through learning together'

The fact that our region is becoming increasingly international is also evident at Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven, for example. Not only do the guests speak an increasing number of languages, the staff no longer come only from the Netherlands. Hotel Eindhoven now employs 28 nationalities. As a member of Brainport voor Elkaar, Van der Valk took part in a number of initiatives that contribute tot the integration of these international employees.
'The social approach of Brainport voor Elkaar suits Van der Valk perfectly', says Lenneke Jullion, HR & Project manager at Van der Valk Eindhoven. 'The themes from the social Brainport Agenda fit in very well. Examples? Among others, the Buddy Werkt 50+ programme and the Financially Fit programme. About 250 people work here. If we can contribute to the guidance of employees who could use an extra helping hand, we are happy to do so.'
Broad target group
When Lenneke was introduced tot the language courses offered within Brainport voor Elkaar, she was immediately enthusiastic. Many of our international employees are active in housekeeping, but we also see more and more employees whose first language is not Dutch, for instance in the restaurant. That is quite difficult. Van der Valk has a broad target group of guests who would like tot be greeted and served in Dutch. When I saw what the language programme entailed, I thought it was definitely worthwhile.'

Nice side effect
Van der Valk set to work energetically. A language course was organised for the first group of fifteen employees. Lenneke: "From Brainport voor Elkaar, the language course is given by a teacher from Summa College. It involves ten two-hour lessons and the participants are very satisfied'. Not only the language of the participants improves, also the mutual cooperation goes more smoothly, Lenneke observes. 'That is also a very nice side effect, yes. These people not only speak a different language, they also come from different cultures. Learning together creates more connection and understanding. We see that reflected in the workplace where relations improve. Moreover, the language development will eventually enable these international employees to also make more use of the extensive Van der Valk training offer that we provide - in Dutch'.
Nice change
Another project that Van der Valk participates in is "Taalbuddy's at work". 'That is a particulary low-threshold way of being able to help international employees very practically on the shop floor', Lenneke explains. 'We are trying that now with Malamati, a Greek shiftleader at the restaurant who is paired with Tess, one of our Groups and Events coordinators. Malamati indicated that she would like to learn the language and for Tess it is a nice change from her daily work.'
Tess van der Weijden agrees. 'I enjoy helping people', she says. 'I am also a Learning Master it's great to see how trainees and new employees develop here. It's great to be able to contribute that.'
Can i do that?
Her new role as a language buddy took some getting used to. I wondered whether I could do it. This is something completely different. But it actually went well right away. Malamati and I have a good click. Every Thursday we sit together for over an hour. It is mainly about Malamati becoming more comfortable in speaking. I started with simple words that she also needs in her work. And from 'good morning and good afternoon' we go through 'fork and knife' to 'mince and chicken', she laughs. We are now practising short sentences and working on the sounds. It's going really well and we both find it super fun.'
In her work as a language buddy. Tess receives support from Brainport voor Elkaar. There was a joint kick-off with language buddies from other companies. There we already got some tips and tricks. We also received teaching materials and now that the programme is running, we also have regular feedback moments when we can ask our questions. That guidance is really nice.
Many additional opportunities
Lenneke Jullion is enthusiastic about the ongoing processes. 'Being a social employer is something that benefits everyone. This is good for Van der Valk, for our employees and for the international region in which we work. Within Brainport voor Elkaar we see that cooperation offers many extra opportunities. Opportunities we like to make use of.'
Besides the language programmes, Van der Valk Eindhoven also actively participates in the Brainport voor Elkaar programmes as Financially Fit and Buddy Works 50+. The hotel has now reached the highest rung on the Prestatieladder Socialer Ondernemen (rung 3).