Logistics service provider Docdata is going to offer Dutch lessons to its employees. The company employs many employees who do not master the Dutch language and, according to Docdata, their job satisfaction is enhanced when they speak Dutch. Next week, the Brabant-based company will sign a so-called Language Agreement supported by Social Affairs Minister Asscher.
Minister's support
The cabinet has a special vision on language and literacy in which they want to work with employers to teach more employees the language. This will be done through language courses and making language problems negotiable. A total of 35 companies are taking part in the Cabinet's Language Agreement, including Docdata.
Language knowledge has many advantages
Employees not only benefit from speaking Dutch on the shop floor, but will also reap the benefits of language lessons in their private lives. This also contributes to integration. Job satisfaction is key for employers, but the government's vision should also lead to less absenteeism, better communication and increased safety.
Read also: Docdata rewarded with Dutch Logistics Award 2015
Jos Goedhart, HR Manager at Docdata, tells Omroep Brabant that he is looking forward to the cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs. "A good oral command of Dutch is important for smooth and efficient communication. The Waalwijk-based company's distribution centre processes thousands of orders daily from various online shops such as bol.com, de Bijenkorf and JBC. "Language is important in hectic environments." The e-commerce's first eighty employees have already started the course.
Foreign workers badly needed
Many companies in logistics make use of non-Dutch workers because otherwise a lot of work remains unfinished. Goedhart welcomes the extra workers and is happy to help them by offering language lessons. "During the peak months of November, December and January, the workload in our warehouses increases enormously and we need many more people. The Dutch labour market cannot meet this demand, which is why we also recruit employees abroad."
Editorial LogistiekProfs
