First noticeable change in Royal FloraHolland reorganisation

Royal FloraHolland wants to achieve better digital services and more modern logistics (involving robots) for its members and their buyers. This means that they shall change, terminate, initiate or outsource activities, services or processes. The first changes are now noticeable. For example, the 'Sample Bus' went on its last journey earlier this month. This initiative was originally started by growers to promote plants and tree nursery products, but a declining trend in its use has been evident for several years.

These modifications of the organisation also involve a reorganisation of personnel. In the past two weeks, employees have been told whether Royal FloraHolland shall continue to have suitable work for them. Lucas Vos explained, "We knew that the reorganisation would have painful consequences for some colleagues. And now that the moment has arrived, I feel them too. They are not departing voluntarily, which is overwhelming. These colleagues have worked with great dedication for years in our cooperative. Their efforts have been extremely valuable and I am very grateful to them."

Now that the organisation is actually changing, employees are experiencing uncertainty again. For example, can the remaining staff cope with the quantity of work? Lucas said, "I am also concerned about the workload, but not just because there are fewer employees. We have sometimes organised the work rather inefficiently. By improving our work processes immediately for our growers, buyers and each other, we can reduce the pressure and better our service provision."

Source: Royal FloraHolland