Milestones in Innovation: Reflecting on 35 Years as a Global Team

Nestled within a captivating castle landscape in the Netherlands during its peak vibrant tulip season lies a pivotal moment in the realm of workplace strategy.  

Our first time gathering in-person as a global group, it brought together our international thought leaders who are driven by a collective ambition: to redefine new ways of working for an ever-evolving future workplace. 

In addition to the usual characters who regularly (albeit virtually) bring a wealth of knowledge to the table with their expertise and wisdom, we were also joined by the original founder of Veldhoen + Company, Erik Veldhoen. 

Erik kicked things off with an illuminating review of the past 35 years which reinforced the vision behind what has brought us all together: to create a better world of work. 
While this was a moment of pause to reflect, and engage it also helped us to uncover where we want to go next. 

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We are a diverse group with many opinions, and yet, one thing we can all agree on is that we're proud to push the boundaries, embrace change, and continue to innovate for the future of work.

• Even though we're a remote-first team, many of us felt the benefit of being together in-person to hash through challenges from the caves to the conference tables.
• We are always learning and growing which is closely connected to our ability to be vulnerable and show up for one another intentionally.

4 DISCOVERIES FROM OUR GLOBAL OFFSITE

Here are four of our key learnings that came from this remarkable celebration that echoed that it's our differences in perspectives and experiences that help serve as the proof of possibility and progress towards a better world of work.

1. 🌎 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES THAT ARE UNITED IN PASSION FOR WORKPLACE: 

Our global team, spanning four continents, embodies diverse perspectives yet shares a common passion for workplace innovation and strategy. Around the workshop roundtables we eagerly dissected and reconfigured the core elements of our bricks, bytes, behaviours business from many multiple viewpoints. 

2. 💬 THOUGH WE ARE REMOTE-FIRST, WE ALSO THRIVE FROM IN-PERSON TIME: 

We found that being face-to-face was both novel and necessary and a great way to get to know team members old and new alike. Whether walking to and from activities or circled around the dinner table helped us to foster alignment, uncover inspiration, and dream together towards future aspirations. 

3. 🌳 EVEN EARLIER WORKPLACE TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS STILL RELEVANT AND ROOTED IN RADICAL INNOVATION: 

We toured one of V+C's most impressive sustainability projects at the Municipality of Venlo which made the intention of what we do, tangible. The passion from the tour leaders Rogier van Koetsveld and Michel Weijers was felt by both groups who marvelled at thoughtful elements that came together to create a healthier workspace. We felt collectively energised by the project and its relevancy even years later.

4. 🪨 EXPLORING THE VALKENBURG CAVES MIRRORED OUR APPROACH TO WORKPLACE STRATEGY 

Our group split into three various activities within the mystical caves of Valkenburg: biking, escaping (not gently strolling, as was thought), and sandstone carving. Strangely, the activities embodied the strengths we apply in our work as change agents in the workplace.

Whether showcasing creativity to get to unique outcomes, working together autonomously while on the bikes to reach the team's end goal, or trusting in our abilities despite unknown obstacles awaiting us in the cave escape game – the team thrived.

"As we reflect on the past 35 years, we're reminded of the countless innovations, challenges overcome, and successes achieved.

Perhaps most importantly, we're grateful for the incredible community of employees, partners, and clients who have joined us on this remarkable journey. Together, we've redefined what it means to thrive in the modern workplace." 

Luc Kamperman
Global Managing Partner

35 YEARS OF CREATING A BETTER WORLD OF WORK

Reflecting on our offsite adventures and the milestone of our 35th anniversary, we're reminded of the strength found in unity and a shared vision for workplace excellence.

From the founding site near Maastricht, to a global presence of remote-first colleagues, we celebrate 35 years of seeking new ways of working through trust, and empowerment.

JOIN US IN OUR COMMITMENT TO SHAPING A BETTER WORKING WORLD AND GET IN TOUCH WITH  OUR COUNTRY LEADS – WE'RE HAPPY TO HELP.