New opportunities in the hospitality industry

Cooperation between NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst and Employer Service Point Holland Rijnland

Looking for innovative solutions to staff shortages in the hospitality industry, NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, Provalu and UWV (the latter are partners within the Werkgeversservicepunt Holland Rijnland) organised an event where jobseekers could learn about opportunities within the hotel without any obligation. The result: new jobs and a valuable experience for both jobseekers and hotel employees.

"The labour market and the way we attract people have changed dramatically in recent years," says Martine Conings, Hotel Director of NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst. The hotel, which is known for its conference facilities and location among the bulb fields, is particularly experiencing tightness in the F&B service departments. This event provided an informal way to introduce potential employees to the hotel. "We gave a short presentation, followed by a tour in front of and behind the scenes where each department explained its work," said Conings. The low-threshold nature of the event proved successful. "We gained four new colleagues from it," says Conings. "These are numbers we rarely achieve with a regular job application round. Job seekers literally came to visit and immediately got a realistic picture of the work and atmosphere at the hotel."

The cooperation between NH Leeuwenhorst and Werkgeversservicepunt Holland Rijnland proved to be an inspiring example of how employers and social organisations together can help people return to the labour market and gain valuable experience. By being open to new ways of recruiting and having an eye for the power of small scale and personal contact, these parties ensure sustainable and meaningful employment in the hospitality industry.

Cooperation in the region

Stefanie Pruis, Sales & Account Manager at Provalu, explains that this initiative is more than just a recruitment drive. Provalu helps jobseekers in the Coast, Dune and Flowerbulb Region, including status holders, welfare recipients and people distanced from the labour market. "This event gives us the opportunity to match the right people with employers who are open to a personal approach," Pruis says. She stresses that the cooperation with NH Leeuwenhorst is a good example of how employers can distinguish themselves through a warm welcome and personalised support. "The hotel makes people feel welcome and helps them land gently," she says.

Hans Saris, Employer Services Advisor for, among others, the hospitality industry at UWV, agrees. "NH Leeuwenhorst offers jobseekers the chance to find out about opportunities in a low-threshold way. That works very differently from a formal job application." According to Saris, approaching candidates personally is crucial for success. "We carefully choose candidates who get excited by the idea of working in the hotel industry and invite them personally."

Small scale as a success factor

The small-scale format of the event proved an important element. Saris says: "Large fairs can be intimidating, but here candidates really felt seen." This is in line with NH Leeuwenhorst's vision. Conings says: "We want to create a family feeling, where colleagues support each other and everyone feels welcome." The hotel even has employees from the same family, a strength that contributes to the close-knit working atmosphere. Pruis adds: "In these times, people are looking for collegiality and a pleasant working environment. NH Leeuwenhorst offers that like no other."