Case Studies

We support organisations across four industries, managing human capital issues with an approach customised to their specific business. The advantages of investing in the Netherlands is it's strategic location in Europe, strong infrastructure, highly skilled multilingual workforce, favourable business climate, and supportive government policies.

Our case studies reveal the human touch behind everything we do. From HR strategy and processes to global People & Culture transformations. Discover how Human in Progress is making a difference for clients and the HR community.

Services

  • HR Operational Support

Client

  • American company in the engineering industry

Objectives

  • Expansion to Europe, HR support regarding onboarding, compliance, and HR administration in the Netherlands.

Results

  • Compliance with local regulations and laws.
  • Efficient way of working of the HR team in head office by implementing HR processes.
  • Continued HR operational support and advice tailored to the unique needs of the organisation.

Case for Change

The company operating from the Unites States of America had ambitious plans to expand their operations to Europe. After conducting extensive research, they identified the Netherlands as a key market for growth. As the business began to establish a presence in the Netherlands, it became clear that they would require expert support in areas such as onboarding, compliance, and HR matters to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing success.

Solution

We started with an HR audit, assessed the current global HR policies and developed a tailored HR support plan that would meet their unique needs. From onboarding new employees to navigating complex compliance regulations, and designing international HR processes, we supported and guided the local director operations and their HR team in the United States of America. We were able to support the client establish a strong foothold in the Netherlands and achieve significant growth in the European market.

Results

The company successfully implemented HR processes in the Netherlands, aligned with the HR way of working in the United States of America. As a result of the successful implementation of HR processes, the company now operates with a streamlined and efficient HR function, allowing them to focus on their core business operations and continue to grow and expand in the European market. With our continued support and expertise, the company has access to a wide range of HR services that can help them navigate any HR-related challenges that may arise in the future.

Services

  • Works Council Consulting

Client

  • Works Council Netherlands, global software company

Objectives

  • Gain valuable insights on the approach and the questions to ask the entrepreneur, to ensure the Works Council would best represent and serve the interest of the employees.

Results

  • Successfully navigated the Works Council consultation process.
  • Enhanced communication and collaboration with the entrepreneur.
  • Improved knowledge, experiences and understanding of the Works Council's role and responsibilities.

Case for Change

The Works Council was facing a lack of knowledge and expertise during the Works Council consultation process. They were in need for the most adequate approach and practical guidance to achieve their goals with the entrepreneur.

Solution

We provided legal advice during the Works Council consultation process, helping the council remain compliant with the Dutch Works Councils Act. We worked closely to ensure that all necessary steps were taken to meet legal requirements and facilitate productive communication between the Works Council and the entrepreneur.

In addition to our legal expertise, we also assisted in the development of a comprehensive Works Council communication strategy. We were able to create a tailored approach that addressed the unique needs of their organisation and helped foster positive relationships with the entrepreneur.

Results

The Works Council was able to successfully navigate the Works Council consultation process and developed a stronger, more effective communication strategy. The high-quality, personalised consulting support helped this Works Council thrive.

Services

  • HR Consulting

Client

  • International company in the education industry

Objectives

  • Implementation of employee benefits: pension scheme.

Results

  • Successfully implemented a pension scheme that met company and employees needs.
  • Effective collaboration with the pension broker resulting in a seamless process and successful implementation of the project within the agreed timeline.
  • Detailed communication plan with clear and timely formal communication for all stakeholders including Works Council.

Case for Change

The global company valueing the well-being of their employees, wanted to offer a comprehensive pension scheme in the Netherlands that would support their financial security in retirement.

Solution

We began by conducting a thorough analysis of the company's needs, HR and project requirements. To ensure a smooth implementation process, we created a detailed project plan and coordinated the implementation project from start to finish. We included the plan with the deliverables of the pension broker to ensure their expert insights on the available pension plans and supported the client select the most suitable scheme for their employees based on their vendor assessment requirements. We also developed a comprehensive communication plan and collaborated with the client's internal team and pension broker to communicate the pension scheme to their employees effectively in several workshops. Our aim was to ensure the employees understood the benefits of the pension scheme and felt confident in their decision to participate.

Results

The company successfully implemented a pension scheme that met their budget, timelines, HR process and employee needs. We worked closely with the pension broker to ensure a seamless implementation process. Our communication plan was effective in reaching every stakeholder, Works Council's formal consent was obtained and employees were able to make informed decisions about their participation in the pension scheme.

Human in Progress has always been a massive support to the NL Works Council; always constructive in the dialogue, without losing track of the objectives to be reached. And besides, is great fun to work with them!

Human in Progress has carried out a number of assignments for us in the field of personnel management and the organizational set-up of our company. They have always carried out these assignments to our full satisfaction. We were impressed by the way in which the consultants got to the heart of the matter while asking questions. Clear formulation of questions and action oriented is their trademark.

We have hired Human in Progress to consult us in the Netherlands and in the US in order to guarantee a smooth transition, with regard to all HR activities, which were necessary during a corporate takeover. They have proven to take initiative, acting in the best way of interest for the company and also for its employees.  After one year, Human in Progress had set up the HR department, resulting in a smooth transition of employees into the new company.  Also new employment contracts were set up and new Employee Handbooks were implemented in Dutch and English. Human in Progress has led our organization to a structured HR department, which include a solid administration and effective work processes. Employees are satisfied and managers have more time to do their daily routine. Human in Progress is a reliable consulting company with a clear visionthat would contribute greatly to any HR department and is an asset to any organization.

It has been a pleasure to work with one of the consultants from Human in Progress at TNT. I have experienced the consultant as a friendly and skilled HR professional, with a very pro-active, hands-on approach on professional challenges, and always came through with scalable solutions. The consultant was able to draw on relevant experience and would voice ways to improve and bring about the necessary changes in a very flexible manner, taking into account stakeholder needs. 

Human in Progress' way of working was very structured and an important support for Transition projects on all HR related matters. The HR framework that Human in Progress created was very helpful and formed the base for any future Transitions. The approach was very practical with a good background of the theory resulting in “on time in full” delivery of the items responsible for. In stressful situations and under time pressure the consultant of Human in Progress was calm and delivered. The approach towards the customer in the central project team but also to the operating companies in the different European countries was very professional and appreciated by "the customer". Looking for solutions rather than issues.

One of the consultants from Human in Progress came in as maternity cover and to be the HR business partner for Elsevier Operations. This is a group of 1500 staff in Amsterdam and in many locations abroad. The consultant was able to win the trust of the management team extremely quickly, and has been a very effective and responsive HR business partner and has helped in many ways to progress our HR agenda. The consultant was very pro-active and a true self starter. An excellent communicator, energetic and a pleasure to deal with.