Zeebrugge-based intermodal supply chain specialist ECS is investing in maximum satisfaction among its 600 employees. Following an internal survey and workshops, an action plan is being drawn up, for which employees such as warehouse worker Steven Boey are the source of inspiration.
Nine years ago, Steven Boey started with an interim contract as a warehouse employee at transport and logistics group ECS in Zeebrugge. In the meantime, he co-ordinates a team of a dozen colleagues. “I come from nothing and, as a young twenty-something at ECS, got the chance to get my life on the right track. I had little experience when I started as a warehouse worker, but I was then helped well by colleagues. If you want something, you have to go for it step by step. I have also already had the opportunity to tell that story to sixth-year students who want to start working in the sector.”
Steven is especially grateful for the support. “I was able to follow various training courses on my own initiative, for example around leadership, first aid and firefighting. If you ask for something, chances are it will be offered.”
84% satisfied
Steven Boey is symbolic of the growth opportunities ECS wants to highlight with an employee satisfaction campaign. “We want to promote internal growth and make it clear that there are a lot of opportunities. There is room for that, both hierarchically with promotions and broadly with expertise,” says HR director Griet Van Reeth.
Last year, 600 employees in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the UK were surveyed by the international Great Place To Work polling agency. Of these, 412 participants anonymously gave their opinion on five elements. Overall, 84% of employees judged ECS to be a good employee. There was also an average score of 72% for credibility, 68% for respect, 74% for pride, 75% for camaraderie and 85% for fairness.
Action plan
As a follow-up project, some 30 workshops will take place this year around themes such as respect, trust and credibility. The input from these workshops will go into an action plan to further increase employee satisfaction.
“We want to involve as many employees from all services in this as possible. That’s why we launched a call for ambassadors: employees who can serve as an inspiration to others. Steven Boey is one of them,” says Van Reeth.
