Fix Personeelsdiensten has had a volatile year, according to senior account manager Laura Ceelie. In the busy months, the staffing agency employs around 800 people, more than 70 percent of whom are of Polish origin. In winter, that number always declines, but now it is more than usual. "The prediction is that the peaks and troughs, mainly because of high energy prices, will only get bigger in the coming period," he says.
In itself, this is not a problem, as fast switching at peak times is a specialty of Fix Personeelsdiensten. It does this by actively recruiting people through social media, on Polish job sites, and by using on-site contacts. "We have built a strong network over the years, and thus we can scale up and down quickly," he says.
Yet even this is becoming increasingly difficult, Laura knows. The Polish economy has been growing fast in recent years, employees are getting permanent contracts faster, and labor is getting better paid. In addition, there is a scheme that gives a substantial tax advantage to young people under 26 years of age. With these developments and the high cost of living in the Netherlands, it is becoming less and less attractive for labor migrants. The Netherlands also has to compete with neighboring countries such as Germany.
Need for flexibility
It is, therefore, important to become attractive again, and this can be done in several ways. In the first place, Fix Personeelsdiensten is looking within itself. "For next year, we will put more budget into our recruitment campaign. In addition, good quality accommodation and strong guidance will help our temps get off to a good start. Furthermore, we want to be as open and transparent as possible, both to our employees and to our clients. And then there is also an important task for hiring companies when it comes to job satisfaction. A good working atmosphere and great commitment to the temporary workers is an important motivator."
They also hope for some more movement from the government, especially on housing. A tricky topic but also one in which joint improvement can be realized. "This year, we had enough enthusiasm from motivated staff but then had to turn them down because of a shortage of housing. Very unfortunate because the demand for staff from our customers was huge. Among other things, we are SNF certified, which means that every year we are checked to ensure that our homes meet all requirements. At the same time, more flexibility is needed from municipalities in particular, because often very good solutions are available but cannot be realized due to ever more complicated legislation."
Achievable
Fix Personeelsdiensten is Jan Zuijdwegt's company and has clients throughout the Netherlands. The office runs well, and there is little turnover, with most colleagues working there for several years. The company consists of recruiting, planning, payroll, accommodation, coaching, drivers, account managers, and fleet managers. "We think it is important that people see that we are there and that we are approachable. We are, therefore, available 100 hours a week."
For more information:
Laura Ceelie 
Fix Personeelsdiensten B.V.
Leemidden 22
2678 ME De Lier
+31 (0)174 28 45 89
+31 6 34336014
laura@teamfix.nl
www.teamfix.nl