Column Jelle Wentink: Investing in people pays off

As a knowledge-driven organisation in an increasingly tight labor market, Nutrilab also faces a growing challenge in attracting and retaining qualified staff. To safeguard the continuity and quality of our services—now and in the future—investing in employee development is a crucial strategy.

Why? Because professional development helps increase job satisfaction and engagement. When employees are given the opportunity to expand their skills and grow professionally, they feel more valued. A development pathway provides a clear sense of direction. By creating opportunities for progression and internal career paths, employees are more likely to remain connected to your organisation for the long term. And reducing staff turnover is especially important in a labor market where recruitment demands significant time and resources.

But it goes beyond that: satisfied and engaged employees are more loyal. Not only are they better equipped to adapt to new technologies and working methods, they also play an active role in implementing innovations within the lab. By giving people the chance and space to develop their talents further, we can also continue improving our operational efficiency. In doing so, our focus on employee satisfaction directly strengthens both our competitive position and the quality of our services.

Retaining knowledge and experience is essential for any organisation. Investing in staff development is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The good news? It’s an investment that benefits both employees and the organisation. Today, and in the future.

Jelle Wentink,
HR Advisor at Nutrilab