A visit to the AFAS Experience Center in Leusden is without a doubt an experience. In addition to an office building for the software company's employees, they receive more than 300,000 visitors annually in the theater and training center. We spoke with Herman Zondag, Director of Customer Experience at AFAS. During the Digital Building of the Future conference on November 15, he will talk about this special building and how it contributes to the satisfaction of guests and employees.
By: Eline te Velde
The AFAS Experience Center consists of a restaurant with 750 seats, a theater hall with 837 seats and an atrium with capacity for 600 visitors. As if that weren't enough, more than 600 AFAS employees also come to this building every day to do their work. The AFAS office and training space is also called the 'clubhouse' and is equipped with numerous facilities. In addition, the building has a mini cinema, state-of-the-art sports areas, a padel court, pedal boats, massage room, and various kitchens and pantries. And to top it all off, the building is equipped with beautiful art, both inside and outside.
But what is it like to combine so many functionalities in one building? Herman explains: “This does not cause any problems. The employees who work in the clubhouse can mainly be found there. The facility staff rotate and work throughout the building. AFAS employees are broadly trained and can therefore be deployed anywhere.” Herman adds that AFAS employs all its own employees: “This is extremely important. People feel connected to the company. You are either an AFAS member or you are not.”
“People feel connected to the company. You are either an AFAS member or you are not.”
People are central
It is certain that AFAS employees feel connected to the family business. The software company has been named the best employer in the Netherlands and Europe for three years in a row. The remuneration structure certainly contributes to this, as every AFAS employee benefits from profit sharing. But there is more to it, says Herman: “You don't win the competition with money alone, it's about the culture of an organization.” And the culture is shaped by the four core values of AFAS: Trust, Crazy, Family and Doing. “We are a company that does more do. That doesn't mean we don't think about it, but we just do it faster. And that is why more is happening.”
AFAS also organizes activities for employees. Every month there is a culture day, with a show in the theater or a barbecue, and there are various outings every year. “Such a culture day is important to get everyone on the same page again. It makes employees feel part of the community.”
Herman adds that coming together is essential for that sense of community and that after corona, most employees will return to the office full-time. “People want to be here. There is sports, paddle boarding, table tennis. It's just a fantastic atmosphere. If I'm completely honest, I think productivity would be higher if everyone worked from home. But then you miss the culture and climate of your organization. The people are really the gold of the company.”
Digitization
Not only people, but also technology plays an essential role in the experience that the AFAS Experience Center offers. The building is equipped with the latest technological gadgets and is supplied with green energy through the 1,100 solar panels on the roof. “The climate and air quality are regulated down to the last detail here. We have a WKO installation and even at 30 degrees it is nice to stay inside.”
Numerous features have also been introduced and robots are used to keep the floors clean. Do you see something that isn't working or needs attention? Then you pass it on via the AFAS app and it reaches the right colleagues. Technology helps people work more efficiently and smarter.
Leadership
You can have such a beautiful building, but in the end it's all about the people. Herman explains that this starts at the top of the organization: “I always say 'water flows from top to bottom.' So if the water is dirty, everything else will be dirty too. Water has to flow, if it stands still it will stink. It is therefore important to innovate and keep moving.”
Commitment is an important part of leadership. “Make sure you are visible and that people know you. Make sure the door to your room is open and that people know where to find you. That they have your mobile number. Leadership is in the tea, coffee and sugar. You can taste it,” says Herman.
“Leadership is in the tea, coffee and sugar. You can taste it.”
Would you like to experience the AFAS Experience Center yourself? Then come to the conference Digital Building of the Future on November 15, 2023. During the conference, questions about sustainability, safety and digitalization within building automation will be answered. Register for free via this link.
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