Belgian King Philippe Visits Logistics Provider H.Essers

The Belgian King Philippe visited the logistics specialist for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, H.Essers, at the company’s new headquarters in Genk. The royal head of state was informed about the various measures taken by H.Essers to combat the shortage of skilled workers and to increase employment.

(Gent) H.Essers employs a total of 6,960 staff and currently has around 350 unfilled positions in the region surrounding the company headquarters – a reason to explore new ways of recruiting workers. King Philippe stated, “I am very interested in understanding H.Essers’ creative initiatives to revitalize the job market.” The situation in the Belgian job market is challenging, characterized by a historically low unemployment rate of 6.2 percent alongside a comparatively low employment rate of 63.6 percent. (Re)entering the job market often fails due to language barriers, lack of education, or the consequences of long-term unemployment.

Slogan for Recruitment: “A Red Solution for Everyone”

“We want to give everyone the chance to work,” explains Gert Bervoets, CEO of H.Essers, adding, “that’s why we do more than just write job ads.” Specifically, the logistics provider invests in the training and development of people. With the H.Essers Academy, the company has its own training center offering a wide range of programs: from obtaining a driver’s license to language courses for migrants and a personal talent development path that prepares employees for the next career step. In cooperation with social institutions and administrations, inclusion is to be ensured, providing people with disabilities the opportunity to bring their talents into gainful employment.

However, the specific figures for the Belgian job market do not represent a national problem but are indicative of the global personnel shortage in the logistics sector, which increasingly disrupts supply chain processes.

As one of the most important employers, looking beyond borders

Denmark, for example, is known in Europe for its successful labor market policy with a low unemployment rate and a very high employment rate of 79.2 percent. This positive development is attributed to the Danish model of “Flexicurity,” which offers flexibility and security for employees and employers. H.Essers CEO Bervoets sees the Danish model as an “inspiration” for the Belgian job market.

The intention to bring more people into work is supported by the company through its targeted initiatives, which King Philippe will also carry with him when he travels to Denmark at the end of October for discussions on labor market policy.

Photo: © H. Essers / Image Caption: Belgian King Philippe (left) and Gert Bervoets, CEO of H. Essers (2nd from left) in conversation with Essers employees