"This work makes me feel independent and confident"

At HANOS Den Haag-Delft, it's not just about good food and excellent service, but also about opportunities for everyone. Jan Willem, head chef of the kitchen and the Grand Café, and Mirjam, hostess, explain how collaboration with Werkse! provides an inclusive workplace where people can thrive. For Mirjam, that meant a fresh start and a job that perfectly suits her.

HANOS Den Haag-Delft is a modern wholesaler. They are known for their wide selection, excellent service, and social responsibility. The building was completely renovated in 2015. It looks neat and modern. Jan Willem manages the kitchen and the Grand Café. He ensures that everything runs smoothly in the kitchen. Mirjam is the hostess. She welcomes guests in the restaurant and at events. Together, they provide delicious food and drinks for the other staff and guests in a pleasant atmosphere every day.

What people can do
Jan Willem says that HANOS is happy to help people who, through Werkse! looking for work.”Werkse! "We're an organization that supports people in finding suitable work, and we want to help people find suitable work. So that's a good fit, and that makes us happy," he says. Jan Willem and other colleagues have completed training at Werkse!There, they learned to focus on what people can do instead of what they can't. "That way of thinking is now also used at HANOS, and it creates a great atmosphere within the team," he says.

The collaboration with Werkse! started nine years ago through Werkwaardig, a network of inclusive employers in the region. Within this network, companies explore what they can do for each other and how they can help people with support needs find work. People who have already gained experience through Werkse! can get an internship at HANOS. During a trial period, they'll assess their compatibility with the work. If all goes well, they'll receive a permanent contract. This method has been successful for years, and many people have been given a great opportunity to find work.

Employees with a support question
Providing equal opportunities is a key element of how HANOS treats its employees. Jan Willem: “About ten percent of the 380 employees have a support need. This percentage has remained roughly the same for years, mainly due to the good collaboration with Werkse!" Employees who work via Werkse! New employees, who start, receive the same treatment as all other employees; there are no separate rules. The only thing that's done is buddy training. This allows HANOS employees to help new employees learn the tasks and adjust to the workplace. All employees are open to their arrival and see everyone as a colleague. And that's going very well. "For example, someone with a mild intellectual disability works here who is one of the best employees and has now been given a permanent contract," Jan Willem gives as an example.

He definitely recommends this collaboration to other companies.”Werkse! "It's clear, understands who fits HANOS, and knows who we're looking for." A major advantage of HANOS is its 26 different departments. If someone doesn't feel completely at home in one department, there's often another one that is a good fit.

Learning new things
Mirjam looks back with great pleasure on her start at HANOS via Werkse!"I saw that opportunity as a great step toward permanent employment and as a chance to grow further." Before joining HANOS, she worked as a hairdresser and hostess in a hair salon. There, she interacted with customers frequently and was always busy. "It's exactly the same at HANOS. I start my mornings in the company restaurant, where I bake rolls and croissants. I also work as a hostess in the Grand Café and at events."

Mirjam feels comfortable in the team. "Everyone is patient and explains everything clearly. I've already learned a lot of new things, like creating the 'Sandwich of the Week,' making cappuccinos and other coffees, and guiding colleagues in making the sandwiches." At events, she learns a lot about food and dishes, such as preparing delicious snacks for guests. She enjoys the increasing responsibility and the opportunity to learn new things.

For people who are hesitant to go through Werkse! Mirjam says it's good to just try it for a week. "I was nervous at first, but the work at HANOS immediately turned out to be fun and varied." She thinks it's important that Werkse! helps you find work so you can do fun things with your own salary, like going on vacation or buying something nice. "This work makes me feel independent and confident."