Rhenus Logistics Belgium, part of the multinational Rhenus Group, recently moved to brand new, sustainable offices on Roderveldlaan in Berchem. The choice for the new workspace came after a participatory process, in which the staff indicated what is important to them in the workplace.
Large photo: HR Manager Dimitri Van Delsen and managing director Filip Van Kerchove of Rhenus Air & Ocean.
“Our previous office on the Noordersingel was really outdated after 18 years,” says Filip Van Kerchove, managing director of Rhenus Air & Ocean. “We always sign nine-year leases, and with the renewal we took the opportunity to rethink everything. Not only the building, but also the way we work.”
The company therefore organized a survey among employees to find out what they find important in and around their workplace. “Our employees spend a large part of their day in the office,” says F. Van Kerchove. “That is why we think it is important that they feel good here. Light, interior, layout of the rooms, accessibility… all these aspects were discussed in the survey. Based on the results, we made a shortlist of three possible locations, and this building on Roderveldlaan came out as the best.”
Third and fourth floor
“We share this sustainable and environmentally friendly building here with other companies,” adds Dimitri Van Delsen, HR Manager of Rhenus Logistics. “We use the third and fourth floors. When we came here, there was actually nothing. We demolished it, so to speak, down to the bare stone and then refurnished it. All operational departments are on the third floor, the shared services and management use the fourth floor.”
Rhenus Logistics tackled the design as ecologically responsible as possible, including LED lighting and energy-efficient cooling. The excellent accessibility is also an asset, close to the entrances and exits of the ring and highway. F. Van Kerchove: “We have sufficient parking spaces for all employees, including charging stations for electric cars, but also a bus stop close to the door. And we are on a cycle route. We motivate employees to come by bike, which works. There is a safe bicycle shed here, plus sufficient charging options for e-bikes. Berchem station is also not that far.” There is also a company restaurant, with reasonable prices, and a fitness room.
Increasingly digital
The move itself went remarkably quickly. “We literally started from scratch,” adds D. Van Delsen. “New desks, chairs, computers,… In two weeks we moved in phases per business unit.” At the same time, the company took a big step in digitalization. “We use less and less paper. Everything is evolving towards digital working, and we will further strengthen this.”
The new working environment also plays an important role in the ‘war for talent’. “It really helps with recruitment,” says D. Van Delsen. “Anyone who wants to attract young people must offer a modern and sustainable working environment. This office makes an impression; it is pleasant to have a job interview here, especially compared to our old building. At the same time, this investment is also a clear signal: we believe in the future of Rhenus in Belgium and in the growth of our employees. This office symbolizes that trust.”
