Great leadership is seasoned with a lot of laughs. For the third year in a row, software company AFAS Software ranks #1 on the Best Workplace list among large companies in the Netherlands. It also grabbed the #1 position in Europe this year.
Britt Breure, Director HR & CSR, and Sven de Zeeuw, Customer Support Manager, explain the secret. When âcrazyâ is a core value and colleagues feel like family, it feels a lot less like work, and a lot more like fun.
âA single initiative or team wonât get you a high score on the Trust Index
Build the trust
Creating a culture of trust is all about sharing, Britt explains. âWhether itâs about the vision, objectives, a sick colleague or a personal matter, we trust each other in the moments that matter. There are short lines of communication, and our leadership is truly engaged with the business.â
âIf you have a good idea, no matter your level of experience, you have the freedom to make it happen,â Sven agrees. âOur Succestival started as a customer appreciation day, and â through colleague feedback â has grown into a whole week of teaching customers about our software and creating unforgettable experiences for them.â
Live the values
For Britt, clear and consistent company values are central to a great organisation. âAFASâs core values are trust, family, crazy and getting things done. We donât have to constantly mention them because, as we say, theyâre reflected everywhere in our company â including in the coffee, tea, and sugar.â
Make it fun
At AFAS, great leadership is seasoned with a lot of laughs. âHumor is one of the secrets to our success. It can lighten the atmosphere and make the journey a lot more enjoyable for everyone. Coming to the office should be a celebration. And that starts with 100% trust, a safe and secure environment and recognising the contribution that your people are making. But occasionally being silly and having a lot of fun together are definitely important,â Britt continues.
Prioritising culture
Want to model your culture after a Best Workplace like AFAS? Prioritise people over strategy. Inject a little crazy and a lot of fun into your company. And make sure leadership is the example you want everyone to follow. But most importantly: show your employees that their voice matters, and their ideas count. After all, itâs not about whatâs in the employee handbook, but what your people see and feel every day.