Learn more about the people from the community. In this section we ask 12 questions to Ivan Karels employment agency Werk & IK.
What is your role in Werk & IK?
My job is an entrepreneur.
What is the specialty of Werk & IK?
24/7 detachment of the I ISAGO Academy trained logistics forces in the logistics processes of the handling agents / freight forwarders in accordance with our concept which allows for a reduction in the overhead costs of our customers and contribute to a common high-quality end result.
What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
Accountant.
What do you like most about your current job?
We operate in six countries in a 24/7 business, along with miscellaneous cultures, dealing with people and the variety that this brings with it to create a product for which we stand, is quite a challenge. The realization and the privilege I have to be able to do this every day gives me an energy boost.
What do you do on weekends to relax?
Since I am far from home and the long working weeks I prefer to relax at home. The contrast of 24/7, continuous need/want to perform and at home is huge; is coming home as a haven.
What threats do you see for employment agencies?
The possibility of the (inter) national change in employment is and always remains the biggest risk to employment agencies.
What opportunities do you see for agencies?
I believe strongly that an agency wants to distinguish itself from the big top five, must ensure that it focuses on a niche and/or in our case makes it more and more a concept agency than an employment agency. Thus, I would say: Look at the entire routing in our case hiring of labor by our customers, make sure you proactively think to make joint efficiency improvements so that we can be rather than just a cost, contribute to savings and quality improvements .
If you were president of Schiphol, what would you do first?
Ha, as one of the preferred suppliers of Schiphol Airport, I have to think twice about it …. I experienced from first hand how Schiphol has been reorganized over the past year and has made a huge improvement in efficiency, ie from a more “dusty meeting culture” to a trendy Nike “just do” mentality. As an entrepreneur, I applaud this only, and I would try to completely roll this out.
At what place in the ranking is Schiphol cargo airport in 5 years?
We are (unfortunately) depending on politics, although the network of Schiphol’s Board in The Hague is strong. Hopefully strong enough that we can continue to compete for a top three ranking.
The question that Olav de Haan aks you:
The provisions of current regulations at Schiphol, affect your continuity/flexibility?
The regulations regarding screenings, Schiphol Passes and mandatory health and safety courses. Despite the costs of screening are more than 90 euros screening still takes 4-6 weeks and in high season even longer. Moreover, also the regulations required to to make a screening per client. I.e. a UZK us often needs to apply fo three screenings. The cost and time make it increasingly difficult to find and flexibly employ people. I as an entrepreneur of an employment agency can not get through to debate here, let alone change, because I am “no party”. If anyone reading this who might bring some movement here, call me on!
Who do you want to transfer the baton to these questions section?
Dilsat Evin, CFO GSA Global, recently airport operator MAA.
What question would you like to ask her?
What are the biggest challenges in MAA and who and what would be done to make that airport a success?