In an interview with AWVN, Bettina Haarbosch, Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager at NS, explains how socially responsible employment takes shape in daily reality.

A woman in IT, a status holder in finance, or a 58-year-old who still wants to become a train driver? At NS (Dutch Railways), it's possible, and that's no coincidence. Diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunities are embedded in policy and practice.

 Haarbosch's vision is clear: "Without an inclusive work environment, it won't work. People need to feel at home. Period. We used to talk about the three Ps: people, planet, and profit. At NS, they're intertwined. Everyone should be able to travel by public transport; it's a basic amenity. We do this as sustainably as possible. And we ensure that everyone can work for us and has equal opportunities. To me, that's socially responsible employment."

 Three groups as a gateway to better employers

 Within its diversity policy, NS deliberately focuses on three groups: women in management positions, employees from diverse cultural backgrounds, and neurodivergent colleagues. This isn't because they're the only groups that need attention, but because there are opportunities for broader change. "In addition to our diversity networks, we've also established neurodiversity working groups where employees can share experiences, support each other, and keep us on our toes as an organization. That's working well."

 At the same time, Haarbosch emphasizes: "Without inclusion, you can't maintain diversity. You can set all sorts of goals, but if people don't feel at home, they'll still leave. It's about behavior, how we interact with each other, about social safety, and about respecting different opinions. You have to take that seriously, every single day."

 That's why visible role models are important. "We ensure that people with a migration background, women, and people with disabilities also hold leadership positions. And that you see them in the workplace, on the website, at meetings. Then others think: it's possible here."

 Diversity that you see and feel

 NS's inclusive approach is reflected in its daily practices. For example, NS offers jobs to people with disabilities and to highly educated refugees . They receive a one-year contract that can be extended twice. The results are positive: about half subsequently move on to permanent positions at NS, while the rest often find work elsewhere thanks to this experience.

At the NS Technology Factory, young people are trained as mechanics through apprenticeships. At the same time, people in their sixties are also hired; as engineers, mechanics, or in IT. "There are people who say, 'I never thought I'd start a career in IT at sixty,' and then it just happens."
Sometimes applicants come with a completely different story. "A former bank employee who says at 55, 'Now I finally want to be a train driver.' He enters the training program and a year later he's driving trains. I think that's wonderful."

 From well-being to workplaces

 Our focus on people doesn't stop at the influx of new employees. NS invests systematically in development, vitality, and well-being. "We have a learning portal, a wide range of vitality support services, and we provide adapted workspaces when needed. We have quiet rooms and lactation rooms at our head office and in the stations' accommodations." Pregnant women are also catered to: "Female train drivers and service staff 'get off the train,' as we call it, on time. They are then assigned appropriate tasks so they can continue working healthily."

 Social safety above all

 Haarbosch is realistic about what could be improved. "I'd like our colleagues to get a little less flak while they're at work. The way some passengers treat our staff is downright disrespectful. That really affects me. As an employer, you can't always prevent it, but you can keep saying it's unacceptable. And make sure employees feel supported."

 Sustainable entrepreneurship is part of it

 Besides social issues, sustainability is equally important. NS is working to green its fleet and investing in planting at stations. Everything under one umbrella: "We call it 'for everyone and by everyone.' Accessible trains, sustainable choices, and a workplace where people can be themselves. That's socially responsible employment."

This is a shortened version. Read the full article on the AWVN website .