'I am well guided here!'

Assembly employee Jan van der Helm (65) could no longer function in a regular job for health reasons. This is how he joined Werkse two years ago! And soon at Assemblage. He has a great time there.

At the moment I am assembling engines for domestic ventilation systems’, says Jan with a cheerful twinkle in his eyes. ‘We do all kinds of different jobs, it goes as it suits. Because I’m without material for a while, I’m putting together meter cabinets in between. Also nice. At Assemblage I am in my place.

Training
Jan is really having a good time. ‘Precisely because I always have to do the same job, I feel comfortable. It gives me an overview and that feels nice. And if something doesn’t work out, I can always ask the first employee Stanley, he helps me fine. I should have come to work here thirty years ago! It’s relaxed, quiet.’ Speaking of quiet: Jan recently did the training ‘From tension to relaxation’ with Bob van ‘t Hof, the vitality coach of Werkse!. ‘Yes, I was offered that training because I can sometimes get over my tops. In this training you will learn what causes tension and you will learn how to relax. Then you all do exercises to find out how those things work for you and how to keep yourself under control. That really worked very well for me – I became a lot calmer. I feel it now when the tension arises, that’s the time for me to go outside to smoke a cigarette. Not too often of course, then everyone thinks that’s good.’

Good guidance
Jan is in his place at Werkse!. ‘I am well accompanied here. My supervisors take very well into account what I can handle and pay close attention to me.’ Jan appreciates very much that he is being looked after: ‘The other day I was at work a little later in the morning because of an appointment at the pedicure. Then they have already called me several times to see if there is something wrong with me. That feels good. And I regularly get compliments for the work delivered. Isn’t that fun?’

Respect
Having work is very important for Jan. ‘I’m always happy when it’s Monday morning and I can go back to work. But I’m also happy on Friday afternoon that it’s the weekend. And anyway I am very happy with a company like Werkse!, where people like me, with the necessary physical and mental problems, can still make themselves meritorious. And get the respect they deserve.” There is more than two years to go for Jan before he retires. Something to look forward to? ‘Well, I still enjoy working way too much. Otherwise I’ll just sit at home in front of the window. And they can give me all the jobs. I like everything – whether it’s a bit more complicated work or very simple, I don’t care.