SPAR Netherlands has been awarded the ‘Top Employers’ certification by the international Top Employers Institute. This international recognition is awarded annually to qualifying organisations which achieve excellence in people practices. SPAR Netherlands’ success in this arena highlights the consistent application of quality HR policy over a number of years.

SPAR Netherlands CEO John van der Ent said: “This certification reflects the consistent adoption of a comprehensive HR policy at the highest level. The recognition aligns with our core values: namely that we are inclusive, innovative, flexible, and goal-oriented. This is a great start to the year in which we celebrate SPAR’s 90th anniversary.”

SPAR Netherlands places an emphasis on leadership, vitality, and development in the broadest sense of the word. Marie-José Rutten, Director of HR & organisational development at SPAR Netherlands, said that through completing the international survey, the company has gained insights for future improvement. As an employer, SPAR Netherlands wishes to empower and inspire employees as much as possible.

The Top Employers Institute audits about 400 HR criteria measured and compared the criteria based on an international standard. Only companies that achieve the required score of ‘excellent’ during the audit on the various components achieve certification. Held annually, the audit enables businesses to demonstrate excellence in HR policies and inspires continuous improvement. The programme’s comprehensive independent research covers employee conditions, talent development throughout the organisation, always striving to optimise employment practices, and to develop employees. Within SPAR, another country that is considered a Top Employer since gaining certification in 2014 is SPAR South Africa.

Source: SPAR Netherlands, Top Employers

Read more news from SPAR Netherlands

About SPAR Netherlands
The SPAR Brand was founded in the Netherlands in 1932 by the Dutch wholesaler, Adriaan van Well and 16 independent retailers. It was established as a voluntary chain of grocers under the name DESPAR – an acronym of a slogan created by van Well to describe the organisation: Door Eendrachtig Samenwerken Profiteren Allen Regelmatig, which translates in English to All benefit from joint co-operation.

The Head Office and Distribution Centre (DC) are located in Waalwijk, from where support is provided for the almost 450 stores in operation.