16th time in a row! Why we are so proud to display the Top Employer logo

25 January 2021 16:00

Top Employer is a quality mark awarded by the independent Top Employer Institute every year. As a worldwide authority in recognizing HR policy, they validate, certify and acknowledge best employers, and top employers. Umicore has been awarded as a top employer in Belgium for the 16th time in a row.

Geert Walschap, HR director Western and Southern Europe shares: ‘To become a Top Employer, you take various steps, beginning with the HR best practices survey, the validation round and finally the audit. The performance scores of the participating companies are weighed against an international standard.’

As part of the survey, you fill in a detailed questionnaire on various aspects of your HR policy, providing proof through procedures, screenshots, etc. ‘The aim is for the company to demonstrate that it meets the high standards set by the Top Employer Institute in all areas. From leadership and working environment to attracting talent and diversity’, Geert explains. The Top Employer Institute goes through all the information, documents, and processes and asks additional questions. Finally, a third, external and independent party judges the integrity of all the data.

So you don’t become a Top Employer just like that. Not only has Umicore in Belgium been a Top Employer 16 times now, but its’ score has been rising for several years. Geert is convinced that we learn something new every year: ‘The process doesn’t end when you get the score. Every year, our results are analyzed in-depth during a feedback session, and our strengths and areas where we can develop further as an HR organization are pointed out. You also get to know other strong HR performers in different sectors. This cross-fertilization means that we keep evolving and – where useful or applicable – we focus on new trends.’

Our HR mission is described in the ‘Umicore Way’, forming the HR policy’s basis in all regions. One of our corporate strategic goals is to provide an attractive workplace for our employees. They are crucial to us. Therefore, our full attention goes to their development and their well-being. This time we got a score of 87.94%, up 2.61% from last year and our highest score yet.

But what does it mean to work for a Top Employer? ‘We are well aware that a great deal is expected of our employees, particularly in times of fast, unexpected change like the corona virus crisis, or the digital (r)evolution we are facing. It is important that our people feel supported by an HR policy that will guide them in times of change. Paying attention to their development, giving career guidance, coaching, and trying to deploy their talents constantly are only a few aspects that they can expect from a top employer’, says Geert.

The world is continuously and rapidly evolving. As a global player in a competitive sector where innovation, commitment, teamwork, and respect are crucial, is it essential for our HR strategy and policy to keep up.