Equans is one of the Netherlands’ largest partners in the energy transition. With around 5,000 colleagues operating within a complex, nationwide HR landscape, there was a clear need following the introduction of a new HR service delivery model: to develop concrete tools to put the new model into practice. Equans turned to UMIO for support, and together they designed a bespoke programme focusing on leadership, decision-making, stakeholder analysis and collaboration. It provided HR Business Partners with practical answers to their questions and, most importantly, raised collaboration among them to a higher level.
“Before the programme started, we were in the process of renewing the HR service delivery model,” explains Bart Terlunen, HR Director at Equans Netherlands. “That meant a new role for the HR Business Partners and closer collaboration with the HR advisors. But that doesn’t happen by itself. During the transition to the new model, questions arose among the Business Partners: What will the role entail? What do you need to carry it out effectively? There was a real need for more clarity and for practical tools. This need was felt across the country, so we invited all HR Business Partners to take part in the programme.” Positive experiences from the past led Equans to approach UMIO, with whom they tackled these current challenges.
A truly customised programme
In close cooperation with UMIO, a tailored programme was created. Over the course of eight months, modules on leadership, decision-making, stakeholder analysis and collaboration were combined with action learning projects, in which real-life issues from practice were central. The programme was not taken off the shelf, but co-created based on Equans’ challenges and needs. Bart reflects on the process: “We had multiple discussions, shared our input, gave feedback and refined along the way. People and modules were carefully selected to match our requirements. There was a great deal of openness and willingness to shape the programme with and for us. It was no standard programme, but truly tailored learning.”
Theoretical depth and practical applicability
This tailored approach combined theoretical depth with practical applicability. Bart notes: “You can tell the lecturers draw their knowledge from their own academic research, which means they can link every case directly to academic frameworks and relevant theoretical models. That made UMIO a highly reliable partner for us. Some lecturers were better at translating this into practice than others, but that in itself suited different learning styles.”
For participants such as José Engelen, HR Business Partner at Equans Netherlands, the programme offered tangible insights. “The theory we covered really offered a new way of looking at things. In some modules, I thought: ‘Wow, I’ve never heard that before, what a refreshing and inspiring perspective.’ It taught me to approach problem statements differently,” says José.
Collaboration on a higher level
The programme provided structure within the new HR service delivery model and created a safe environment and effective framework to enhance collaboration with colleagues. The most significant outcome turned out to be this strengthened collaboration within the HR Business Partner team. José explains: “We reach out to each other more, approach problems differently, and test ideas with one another. It has strengthened our sense of unity and clarified that we all share the same goal and are doing our best to achieve it.”
Bart agrees. “What has really changed,” he says, “is that this group of fifteen people working across the Netherlands now know how to find each other. Not only when necessary, but also spontaneously. They have truly become a team.”
The programme’s set-up played a significant role in this. By working in different groups, tackling assignments together and taking time for reflection, mutual understanding and trust developed. “Suddenly, you see each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities,” Bart explains. “That makes it easier to pick up the phone, to ask for help, or to work together on a problem. That climate of openness is perhaps the greatest gain.”
A solid foundation
Alongside a ‘toolbox’ full of models, ideas and tools that the programme delivered, this renewed collaboration provides a solid foundation for further development, both individually and as a team. Another programme with UMIO is already scheduled. Bart concludes: “Working with UMIO is a real pleasure. They listen well, can respond quickly, no question or remark is too much, and you work with highly competent people. They managed to create collaboration and a sense of safety within a group of people who do not see each other daily. I think that is a fantastic result. It gives us something to build on. We’re not finished yet,” he emphasises, “but this first step has created the right climate to move forward.”
