Human resources
Eventful year calls for a lot of consultation
2008 was in many respects an eventful year and the same goes for human resources. Simply consider the personnel side of the phthalic anhydride and phthalates production units becoming independent, as well as the economic unemployment in December.
In 2008, Proviron had to introduce temporary economic unemployment for the first time in the history of the company. That involved a lot of consultation with the RVA (the National Employment Office), as well as employee communications, and organising minimum staffing to guarantee safety.
Number of employees
Ratio blue-collar - white-collar
Ratio Man- Woman
Separate personnel structure
The second half of 2008 was for the most part engaged on the personnel side of the phthalic anhydride and phthalates production units in Ostend (Basic) becoming independent. Even though the new entity had not been turned into a separate company in 2008, it was decided to start already with the actual splitting up of the personnel. After all, Basic will require a separate personnel structure, including its own supporting staff.
Communications in times of change
As well as regular consultation with the works council and shop stewards, HR organised information sessions where employees were informed about the economic and financial situation, including Basic becoming independent. By the way, 2008 was also the year of the social elections, which are held every four years. These went smoothly, even though they happened in an eventful year. After all, 2008 was a bit of a crisis year: first biodiesel sales disappointed, then Basic became independent, and on top of all that the economic crisis hit hard. All this initiated special attention for communications about these subjects.
Cutting down, but not blindly
In view of the circumstances, further development of the electronic system to detect training needs, was retarded. This system was started in 2007 and eventually is to lead to better trained and functioning employees. Because of the economically challenging times, more cutbacks were made, but not blindly. That is why the company continues to pay attention to the human side of things. Events like a bowling evening or the traditional annual staff party, as well as small presents for everyone on special days are maintained. Maybe this sort of thing deserves even more attention in times of crisis.