Staff

The company’s employees are its calling card. They ensure honest services and a pleasant shopping environment. To safeguard staff quality, evaluation and performance interviews take place every year. Training and education are provided on a systematic basis; in 2014, ‘on the job’ training with electronic support (e-learning and e-training) was introduced in the Netherlands for staff in the stores and in logistics. Effectory surveyed employee satisfaction at Beter Bed Nederland in 2014. With a score of 7.4, Beter Bed was ranked third in the Retail sector and can therefore call itself ‘Best Employer’ for one year.

Health and safety of employees

The company sets great store by the safety and health of all employees. In view of the nature of the occupational risks, there is a special focus on the staff behind our logistic processes. This is why in 2014 we conducted another random survey of the distribution centres and cargo bays of our delivery trucks in the Netherlands for hazardous substances. Beter Bed Holding is pleased to report again, in line with its expectations, that no hazardous substances were found.

Sickness-related absenteeism remained stable in 2014. The proportion of people with long-term illnesses edged up. Policy is aimed at further reducing work-related absence by providing more extensive support for the employees concerned.

Diversity

Diversity in the composition of management and other teams is a major ambition pursued by Beter Bed Holding. In Beter Bed Holding’s view, women tend to have the final say in decisions on purchases. The efforts in this area have led to an increase in the number of women in management positions from 19 to 28 in 2013. The number of women in management positions decreased by one overall in 2014. While two female top managers were appointed in the Netherlands: the Purchasing Director and the Customer Satisfaction Manager, two female region leaders in Germany and one in Switzerland left the organisation. In 2015, additional attention will be given to recruiting new female managers. Beter Bed signed the Charter ‘Talent to the Top’ in 2014. This initiative is a code with clear agreements and a public commitment for achieving diversity at the top of the company.