Translated from De Ondernemer - December 2022
December, a month known for its expenses. However, for the over hundred employees of Yonego, Bambelo, and Xpendy, it was anything but costly. Their founder, Joris Toonders, surprised his team with a month of free groceries. He designed a brochure showcasing a selection of enticing deals, distributed shopping bags, and provided golden envelopes to store the receipts for reimbursement. "This is a moment that truly warms my heart as an entrepreneur," Joris shares from his office in Breda. "It was already a beautiful day with the children joining us for a Sinterklaas celebration. We had gifts for the little ones, and even Santa Claus made a special appearance for the adults. After handing out the brochures, bags, and envelopes, there was a moment of silence. You could tell that it was sinking in for everyone. Then came the gratitude. It is incredibly rewarding and special to be able to do something like this."
The idea to organize such a special initiative had been brewing for a while. Joris emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong company culture and consistently seeks ways to ensure the happiness of the employees at Yonego, Bambelo, and Xpendy, online marketing agency, lead generation platform, and subscription cancellation service respectively. "I started Yonego when I was just 15 years old with the vision that it would celebrate its 50th anniversary when I turn 65. So, I am building something for the long term. Culture plays a vital role in that, as it revolves around people. Occasionally, an idea or initiative emerges that I believe our team will love. This is a prime example."
"The atmosphere, the joy that permeated the company. It's difficult to put into words the feeling that washed over me at that moment."
- Joris Toonders, founder of Yonego, Bambelo, and Xpendy.
Joris narrates the story almost as if such a generous gift is the most normal thing in the world. However, providing a month's worth of free groceries for over a hundred employees is no small feat, especially in the current times we live in. Nevertheless, the generous entrepreneur assures that it is feasible. "Come January, we'll see if it truly becomes an expensive endeavor," he chuckles. "That's when I'll receive the receipts from our colleagues. No, there's no spending limit. I trust my team."
"Bambelo is doing well. We are experiencing strong growth, which is why we can do this. It's truly remarkable that they will be able to enjoy what I'm giving them for an entire month. Every time they visit the bakery, butcher, or supermarket, there will be joy. The same goes for me. I derive just as much happiness from their joy. The announcement last week... the atmosphere, the joy that permeated the company. It's difficult to put into words the feeling that washed over me at that moment."
This is not the first time Joris has gone above and beyond with initiatives that brought immense happiness to his employees. In 2016, he introduced four weeks of paternity leave instead of the two days that were customary for new fathers at the time. "Back then too, the gratitude from our team was overwhelming. I place great value in ensuring that people enjoy their time here every day. It fosters dedication. The fact that we recently celebrated thirteen anniversaries of individuals who have been with us for five or ten years says it all. These are all individuals in their thirties. Together, we are building a remarkable company, and happy employees lead to satisfied customers."
Four years later, the entrepreneur made another notable announcement. On this platform, he expressed his disregard for the importance of diplomas held by job applicants. 'A diploma reflects what you have done, not what someone is capable of or desires. For me, the intrinsic motivation of an applicant is far more crucial. I am much more interested in what someone can do in practice rather than what they have learned in school.' This strategy continues to pay off for him in terms of attracting talented personnel.
While many companies struggle with staffing shortages, the situation is thriving in Brabant. "Fortunately, we still receive many applications. I am aware that our employees share stories about the extended paternity leave or a month of free groceries at birthday parties. And, of course, this contributes to the popularity of our companies. However, I initiated these projects primarily to make a difference in the lives of our team. Whenever I get the opportunity to do so, I seize it gladly."
"This is the moment that as an entrepreneur, I truly cherish," Joris begins from his office in Breda. "It was already a beautiful day because all employees had brought their children to the office for a Sinterklaas celebration. There were gifts for the little ones, but even Santa Claus made a special appearance for the adults. After distributing the folders, shopping bags, and envelopes, there was a moment of silence. It was clear that it needed to sink in for everyone. Then came the gratitude. It is incredibly beautiful and special to be able to do something like this."