Introducing: Company social worker Parbha

At KLM, staff can count on support from company social workers if needed. They offer help if you don’t feel well for some reason. Examples here include mental or psychological complaints, financial problems and stress. KLM employs Gimd company social workers. Gimd is an independent organisation and the company social workers advise and assist KLM employees in finding the healthiest possible balance between people and the organisation. We spoke to company social worker Parbha Vermeer and asked her to tell us a bit more about her role at KLM.

Parbha, what exactly does a company social worker do? “A company social worker supports KLM employees on a short-term basis in relation to different matters. These may be work-related or private. We help to prevent undesirable situations (for example: how do I find the right work-life balance?), but also to address existing undesirable situations (for example: my work-life balance is out of sync).” What kinds of requests for support can colleagues put to you? “Basically everything: we can always be supportive and provide information and advice. Examples here could include experiencing stress, an impending burn-out, (imminent) conflicts, difficulties cooperating, private problems that affect work, lifestyle issues, relief in case of exit and aftercare in case of trauma. If you need support concerning financial stress, you can turn to Grip Schuldhulpverlening (debt relief). Grip forms part of Gimd. Referral to Grip is low-threshold and can be arranged by us.” What process should colleagues wanting to contact you follow? “You can register directly. This can be done by sending an email to P.Vermeer@gimd.nl or calling (088 - 8008500). This is anonymous and there are no costs for colleagues. We always contact you within three working days.” What are the advantages of colleagues utilising company social work? “The biggest advantage is that you don’t have to be saddled with wanting to ask for support for a long time. You can make an appointment quickly, so you don’t have to wait long for support. This could take place at your workplace, at E&M or at another KLM location. You can find the locations and times at the bottom of this article. In many cases, only a few appointments are needed. On the whole, a suitable solution can be found for most problems.” Do you have an example of a case (obviously anonymous) where company social work helped? “Absolutely. There was a colleague who became uncomfortable because he no longer felt any connection with his team and the younger employees. He withdrew more and felt ill at ease, but did not dare to discuss this with his manager. He reported to company social work, after which a conversation also took place with his manager. The team did not change, but he was given tips and tools on how best to connect. He also learned that it’s fine to take a bit of distance sometimes if it feels alright.

In another situation, a colleague reported to us with long-term, stress-related complaints at work. He felt agitated at work, which served to exacerbate the complaints. During the process, he came to understand his limits, what takes energy and what gives energy at work, but also how he can best take care of himself. The colleague is back at work and is now sustainably employable, taking care of his own health!” Contacting Gimd You can register yourself with Gimd. You do not need a referral from a company doctor or manager. This means you can meet to discuss your situation or call for help in strict confidence. You can walk in without an appointment or schedule an appointment in advance by calling or emailing one of the telephone numbers below. You can reach Parbha Vermeer on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (mornings) via email (P.Vermeer@gimd.nl) or by phone (mobile: +31(0)6 18692406 | 088 8008 500). Where can you find company social work at work? You can visit the walk-in clinic without an appointment if you have a brief question, for a consultation or to make an appointment: Monday walk-in from 10:00 - 12:00 at Cargo Building 551, 4th floor, room 419. From 8 October: Tuesday walk-in from 10:00-12:00 at E&M Hangar 12, 2nd floor, room 230. Wednesday walk-in from 10:00 – 12:00 at two locations:

- Crew Centre, ICA 14 - At the World Square in the long corridor (Room 3315)

More information On MyKLM and MyHealth you’ll find more about company social work.