On Thursday, June 19th, Refugee Talent Hub organized its annual employer event "Working with Newcomers." In a vibrant festival tent at TwynstraGudde, we collaborated with organizations of all sizes to explore opportunities for new talent. It was an afternoon filled with exchanges, inspiring examples, and practical tips you can put into practice right away.
In sunny Amersfoort, the festival tent quickly filled up: around 150 cheerful faces, ready for an afternoon full of inspiration. The atmosphere was immediately positive, especially when De Niemanders – a band full of musical talent with a refugee background – took the stage and kicked off the program musically.
Omar Alshahari & Hanna Rezk (The Nobodys)
Wilma Roozenboom, director of Refugee Talent Hub and chair of the day, opened the meeting with a powerful message: " We're not utilizing talent . That's why we want to inspire and motivate employers to engage with newcomers. Starting with you!" Frank van Es of TwynstraGudde, our host, asked the attendees: "Think about it: how can you utilize newcomers within your organization?"
Mario Bersem, sector economist at ABN AMRO, presented the findings of a new report on untapped labor potential. Next year, there will be room to better utilize the potential of no fewer than 53,000 additional newcomers – including Ukrainians, asylum seekers, and refugees with residence permits. This is an opportunity employers shouldn't miss.
Just start and you'll see what is possible.
Rutger van der Leeuw, CEO bij Enexis
From left to right: Wilma Roozenboom (Refugee Talent Hub), Joeri Kapteijns (COA), Lobna Abdo (Municipality of Amsterdam) and Rutger van der Leeuw (Enexis)
Talk show: Wilma in conversation with...
In the first round of the talk show, Joeri Kapteijns (COA), Lobna Abdo (Municipality of Amsterdam), and Rutger van der Leeuw (Enexis) discussed the opportunities and challenges of working with newcomers. A recurring theme : don't let prejudices or language concerns hold you back, just get started.
Rutger van der Leeuw emphasized that safety at work always comes first, but that newcomers often quickly reach that standard: "There was some initial resistance about the language level, but I said: just give it a try. It really works." He added that you don't need a large HR department for that, but rather colleagues with conviction and energy.
Lobna Abdo pointed out the loyalty of newcomers: "Many newcomers remain loyal to their first employer. That's something employers can really use to their advantage."
Joeri Kapteijns spoke out against the persistent negative image : "There are many misconceptions about asylum seekers. I mainly meet people who are very eager to contribute."
Fewer rules, short lines, and personal guidance – that makes it easier for newcomers to settle in well.
Erik Ziengs, voorzitter bij Ondernemend Nederland
The second talk show featured Frank van Es (TwynstraGudde), Erik Ziengs (Ondernemend Nederland), and Liesbeth Kaashoek (NS). The common thread: if you want to work with newcomers to succeed, you need support and a practical approach.
Frank van Es explained the importance of breaking through your own bubble: "It helps to first build support—for example, through mentoring programs. That way, you gradually change people's perceptions. I've experienced this myself as a mentor to a newcomer."
Erik Ziengs emphasized that small businesses, in particular, can make a difference: "Fewer rules, short lines of communication, and personal guidance – that's precisely what makes it easier for newcomers to settle in." This also clarified his earlier appeal in the run-up to the employer event: according to him, newcomers should be able to start working at Dutch SMEs from day one.
Liesbeth Kaashoek concluded with a powerful message about representation: "Our stations reflect society. Therefore, our staff must do the same." She believes multilingualism is not an obstacle, but an asset: "At the station, you hear all kinds of languages. Newcomers who speak multiple languages are actually very valuable."
Open and practical workshops
After the talk shows, it was time to roll up our sleeves. In smaller groups, participants explored a diverse range of workshops: from legislation and regulations to inclusive recruitment: the central question throughout was how employers can concretely engage with newcomers. Open, practical, and optimistic.
Whoever chooses talent, chooses the future.
Maikel de Bruin, manager bij GGD Drenthe
emphasized during his workshop: "Dare to take the step. Choosing talent means choosing a future."
Afterward, with the sun shining on our faces, a cold drink in hand, and the music of De Niemanders in the background, we enjoyed a pleasant chat and drinks. We look back on a fantastic afternoon and thank everyone who made it such a success!
