Ask anybody within the Eindhoven workplace who they go to with a query, a problem or to be heard and the reply is sort of at all times the identical: Antoinette. Since becoming a member of Shapeways in 2013, she’s worn many hats however her mission has remained constant: to construct belief, pay attention, empathize and to make Shapeways a spot the place folks genuinely need to work.
Worldwide tradition
Antoinette joined Shapeways with assorted worldwide expertise — from France with Disney, Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, to a Dutch recruitment company — this selection made her a pure match. “I knew it was a really worldwide firm. And for me, worldwide is tremendous necessary as a result of I grew up exterior of the Netherlands.”
She joined Shapeways as Workplace Supervisor and HR Help, the right position to construct consciousness of the entire crew and uncover what they wanted for his or her continued success.
A pure shift into HR
Because the crew grew and developed, so did Antoinette’s accountability. “It felt pure to circulate into extra of an HR position. And the extra I did HR, the extra I liked working with folks. I’m a really a lot a folks particular person… and I wish to suppose that I’m very empathetic. And I feel that’s one thing that folks want lots of.”
Antoinette’s transition from managing the workplace to main HR with a rising crew additionally meant larger challenges. On this position she might assist form the expertise of everybody round her. “I feel HR ought to be a very simple step for folks to go to… I don’t like that model of HR the place it’s disconnected or deemed to be unfavorable, ‘my goodness, I’ve to go to HR!’ I don’t suppose that that’s reflection of the position. I need our crew to know I’m out there or will make myself out there for them in order that HR is built-in day-to-day within the enterprise”
Homecoming crowd
“Greater than 90% of our present workers have been with us earlier than 2024 which is a good assertion in itself. With such good retention we are actually rising with new crew members who’re serving to us construct on our steady foundations.”
Antoinette was one of many many who returned after Shapeways’ chapter and helped deliver others again too. “Folks have been just about ready, ‘can we come again and work for Shapeways?’ Each single person who we’ve known as again just about got here house and are nonetheless actually pleased to be right here.” So what’s it that folks have been returning to? “I feel the worldwide side of the tradition… the way in which folks talk… Everyone’s respectful to one another. And individuals are allowed to be themselves. We thrive on the number of experiences and outlooks that our crew members deliver.”
Two-way communication
Antoinette was in a position to ‘bridge the hole’ between the pre- and post-bankruptcy Shapeways, bringing learnings ahead to enhance the enterprise. “It’s necessary to know that you can be heard while you share your concepts.” She is pushed by dedication to attach and worth everybody’s contribution.
Antoinette stresses the significance of defining and sustaining transparency in communication: “If anyone goes to their supervisor and says ‘I’ve a extremely nice concept to arrange this technique’, and the supervisor’s like, ‘Yeah, good concept’ that’s solely half of the communication wanted to drive transparency. I encourage our crew to ask what occurs subsequent? Who takes the subsequent step? What else do I have to know? And what actual transparency means is that if the lead thinks it seems like a good suggestion, however doesn’t suppose we’re prepared but, that’s communicated again and that the worker is aware of the place they stand. Being on the identical web page is essential to our shared success.”
“Everyone’s utilizing English just about as a second language and folks may be misunderstood”. I see this as an excellent alternative to grasp nice communication abilities as a crew. Issues like clarification, recapping conferences, checking in on everybody’s expectations firstly to maintain tasks and groups on monitor. These are the abilities we use to make sure nice communication is on the coronary heart of the enterprise.”
Supporting development from inside
Antoinette takes a proactive, private strategy to serving to colleagues develop. “I wish to take the time to know our crew members and their objectives, past simply an ‘I’m high quality!’ response. We ensure that more often than not, individuals are self-directed and may use their initiative, but when they want it, the assist is at all times there.”
For Antoinette the success Shapeways has skilled in retaining crew members begins with understanding every particular person within the crew. “It’s actually necessary to determine the individuals who want a pat on their shoulder, … I encourage the managers to acknowledge people, have they regarded into who’s carried out a extremely good job? Have they expressed the truth that they seen? I really like making these connections and serving to the crew develop stronger.”
What does it take?
“We wish to have people who find themselves passionate, who haven’t utilized simply to use to ‘a job’, however have utilized as a result of they actually need to come and work for us.” Expertise issues, however it’s not every little thing. “If we’re in search of anyone to work within the manufacturing unit, if that particular person is enthusiastic and says, ‘I feel 3D printing is wonderful and I’d like to be a part of it!’ I’m already on this particular person due to their vitality.”
She additionally values curiosity and openness. “If anyone doesn’t ask me any questions concerning the firm or hasn’t carried out their analysis… It exhibits that they’re probably not . We’ve a crew of expert folks, nice personalities and we’re all curious and engaged, that is the type of factor that stands out at an interview.”
Working collectively within the Eindhoven facility as a crew is one other a part of what works so effectively in driving a cheerful tradition. “We have to be right here, we have to be shut to one another, we have to act shortly, so we are able to transfer ahead and supply nice service and merchandise.”
Trying forward
“What excites me is the truth that we’re specializing in what we’re greatest at, 3D printing. And I can’t wait to proceed our development and entice increasingly more purchasers. I’m excited additionally to have new workers, new folks that we are able to get to know, and to develop.”
Antoinette helps form the corporate’s values for the subsequent part of development. “As we deliver new expertise into the crew it’s important that we now have good onboarding buildings so we are able to promote our values, how we wish them to be interpreted and set examples of the values in motion.”
Maintaining issues sensible is a part of the system that Antoinette promotes for sharing Shapeways values. “Folks want to know what the worth is and the way it suits their position. Our values can’t simply be written in a handbook, they should be lived from prime to backside.”
