Hydro takes exceptionally good care of its employees!

Working together on safety, quality and job satisfaction at Hydro

At Hydro they understand very well that strong products only come about if you first invest in the people behind them. We spoke with Daan, HSE-QA Manager, who works every day to improve safety, quality and working conditions in the workplace. His story shows how seriously Hydro takes this and how it comes to life in practice.

Daan in the workplace

At Hydro, safety is not just about policy, but mainly about involvement in the workplace. In a role in which quality and safety come together, there is a daily switch between different disciplines and there is continuous contact with employees. As Daan himself says: “You sit at the intersection of many different facets and continuously monitor how work can be done more easily and safely.”

That involvement is no coincidence. With a team of six specialists under his responsibility, Daan consciously chooses to remain visible in the workplace. “I want to know the faces and what's going on,” he explains. It is precisely that direct contact that makes it possible to quickly improve and really connect with practice.

The employees are the experts

At Hydro, one thought is central: the people in the workplace know best what works. “We see them as the experts,” says Daan. “They often come up with the best ideas to make work lighter and smarter.” These ideas range from small improvements, such as hand tools and smart hooks, to larger innovations such as lifting aids, mini cranes and electrical transport equipment. All with one goal: reduce physical strain and increase safety. “It is our job to develop those ideas sustainably and professionally.”

That is not an unnecessary luxury, because the work is physically challenging. Aluminum profiles can vary from 3 to 22 meters and were often moved manually in the past. Hydro is now fully committed to mechanical and automated solutions. For example, a system is currently being rolled out in which a table automatically moves to move materials. “The installation is there, but we still have to fine-tune it and teach employees to work with it, says Daan. “Automation also brings new challenges, such as keeping a grip on quality.”

Not only physical solutions, but also training

Working safely starts with good training. At Hydro, employees are not allowed to just work with machines. “We provide internal and external training for forklifts and cranes, for example, says Daan. “These consist of an hour of theory and an hour of practice, followed by a number of weeks of practice under supervision.”

New employees receive tailor-made processes. “Some have to get used to the production environment first, others can move on faster. We train in small groups and the practice is always one-on-one. We also offer training bilingual.”

A quality session every week

Every Tuesday Hydro organizes quality sessions in which safety also has a permanent place. “These are interactive sessions in which a new theme is central every three weeks.” says Daan.

What makes these sessions special is that they are cross-departmental. From production to sales and technical service: everyone can connect. “This is how you learn from each other and gain new insights. Sometimes a good idea comes from a completely different angle.”

Hydro also invests in sustainable employability. Think of an ergocoach, a company doctor who visits every month and external specialists who provide advice on, for example, shifts, nutrition and work-life balance.

Hydro also encourages employees outside of work to stay active. For example, the company sponsors sporting events and employees can participate in, for example, the Veluwe Run Bike Run or the half marathon in Harderwijk. Employees also receive a discount on gym subscriptions to provide them with additional motivation.

Vitality and appreciation

At Hydro, improvement never stops. “Our mission is to make every workplace accessible and workable for everyone, says Daan. It is precisely this constant focus that shows that safety, quality and job satisfaction go hand in hand here. By listening to employees and continuing to invest in smart solutions, Hydro continues to build a working environment every day in which people are really central.