From employee handbook to a benefits experience
Van der Meulen is the largest independent toy distributor in the Netherlands, supplying a wide range of toys to retailers both domestically and internationally. With an entrepreneurial culture and a strong identity of its own, the organisation continuously develops new brands and products.
Following a revision of the benefits policy, the desire arose to better align the secondary benefits with the organisation's identity. In addition, Van der Meulen wanted to present all benefits in a clear and attractive way to both employees and job applicants.
Paul Brink from Not Secondary helped us with the Optimisation and Communication of our benefits. A process we are very satisfied with, which ultimately delivered a Benefits Statement that beautifully and vividly describes our benefits, fully in line with the style of VanderMeulen and the industry in which we operate.
Challenge:In 2022, Van der Meulen's Collective Benefits Regulations (CAR) expired. This provided a natural opportunity to take a fresh look at the existing benefits package.
In addition to updating the content of the regulations, Van der Meulen also wanted to explore how their benefits could be presented more effectively. The existing document no longer reflected the organisation's image, culture, and core values.
The ambition was to create a contemporary overview of benefits that would appeal to both existing and prospective employees.
Approach & advice:As a first step, we analysed and updated the existing benefits regulations.
In doing so, we explored potential expansions and optimisations of the benefits package. Among other additions, the prosocial bonus was incorporated into the revised scheme.
We also focused on benefits that had come to be taken for granted within the organisation, yet say a great deal about Van der Meulen's culture. Examples include the annual toy sample sale and the opportunity to volunteer for the Speelgoedbank Friesland.
Following the content optimisation, we transformed the traditional benefits regulations into a Benefits Statement that fully reflects the organisation's identity.
To make the benefits more recognisable for employees, they were organised around playful themes that suit the industry:
- Building blocks, financial security;
- Toy aeroplane, leave and time off;
- Cuddly toy, culture, facilities, and wellbeing.
This structure, combined with a visual design that aligns with Van der Meulen's brand identity, resulted in a unique way of communicating.
Result:The outcome is a renewed set of benefits regulations and a Benefits Statement that fully aligns with Van der Meulen's identity. As a result, the benefits package has not only been strengthened in substance, but has also become more accessible and appealing to both employees and job applicants.
Employees now have access to a clear and attractive document in which benefits are presented in an accessible way. In addition, the unique aspects of Van der Meulen's employership are made more visible to both current and prospective employees.
By translating benefits into a format that reflects the organisation's industry and culture, a Benefits Statement has been created that not only informs, but also tells the story of Van der Meulen as an employer.
The end result is an benefits story that is every bit as recognisable and playful as the organisation itself.
