Davy van den Berg at HeadFirst Group on top sports and Ramadan
Davy van den Berg on top sports, faith and Ramadan at HeadFirst Group
At HeadFirst Group, we believe in the power of diversity and the importance of understanding different cultures and traditions. Seeing the world through the eyes of others expands your perspective, strengthens our interconnectedness and creates an inclusive work environment.
With this in mind, we organized an Iftar March 13, where colleagues came together to break the fast during Ramadan. Davy van den Berg, captain of premier league club PEC-Zwolle was present to give his insight on top sports and Ramadan.
PEC Zwolle captain Davy van den Berg shares his experience
As an elite athlete, Ramadan requires extra discipline and adaptability. Davy van den Berg shared his personal experience about his conversion to Islam and how he deals with fasting as a professional soccer player. He explained how he maintains his energy level and how his club supports him in this. A unique insight into the combination of top sports and faith, where physical and mental strength go hand in hand.
In addition to Davy's inspiring words, Imam Mohamed Abdulahi gave an engaging explanation of the meaning of Ramadan and the core values within Islam. Colleagues then tested their knowledge in an interactive Ramadan quiz, with the winner going home with an autographed shirt from Davy van den Berg.
After the inspiring stories, it was time to enjoy a traditional Iftar meal together. Top sport is all about teamwork, and this evening was no different. Colleagues - even from Belgium - came together, shared experiences and learned more about each other's backgrounds.
"Society is changing, and there is now more attention to athletes participating in Ramadan. At PEC Zwolle, fasting players can sleep longer and retire, while for the past two years the KNVB has stopped matches briefly at sunset so players can eat and drink."
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This initiative came directly from our colleagues and was enthusiastically supported by the DE&I task force. A great example of how we at HeadFirst Group bring our core values of Learn everyday and Connecting people to life!
At HeadFirst Group, working is not only about performance, but also about growing together, connecting and gaining new experiences. Initiatives like this Iftar show that we are an organization where everyone can be themselves and where there is room for diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Would you also like to work at an organization where inclusiveness and connection are key? Take a look at our vacancies and become part of our team!
HeadFirst Group is a Best Workplace™ for Women
HeadFirst Group is a Best Workplace™ for Women
Great Place To Work publishes list of best employers for women for the second time
Following the success of 2024, Great Place To Work has added to its annual list of best employers in the Netherlands the Best Workplaces for Women 2025 announced. This list is unique in the Netherlands and we are proud to share that HeadFirst Group ended up in 4th place in the Mid Large category. A great recognition for our work environment in which we give women room to grow and develop.
Closing wage gaps, breaking glass ceilings
Is an award for the "best workplaces for women" anno 2025 still necessary? The answer is: yes, absolutely. Despite the fact that women in the Netherlands are fully participating in the labor market, they (still) more often work part-time, in lower-paid sectors, and unjustifiably receive lower pay within the same sectors and positions.
Companies on the Best Workplaces for Women list are more successful than the national average: 96% of women feel they are treated fairly, compared to 84% nationally. Women also stay employed longer (82% vs. 67%).
This list highlights that gender equality is not an empty concept, but really works. Organizations on the list prove that inclusive policies lead to greater connection, better collaboration and impact.
How did we get on the list and what does it mean for us?
Great Place to Work compiles the list based on several key criteria:
- The number of women within the organization must equal or exceed the CBS industry benchmark.
- At least 33% of executives must be women - in our case it is even 50%!
- There must be at least one woman in senior management.
- Female colleagues must give the organization a Trust Index score of at least 70%.
We are extremely proud of this achievement, but we are not there yet! An inclusive workplace is not a final destination, but an ongoing movement. We remain committed to equal opportunity, diverse leadership and a work environment that always puts talent first.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to this. Together we make HeadFirst Group a place where everyone feels at home!
Also want to be a part of our beautiful organization? We have some great job openings!
First HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions great success!
First HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions great success!
March 13, 2025 was the day: the first edition of the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions during The Dutch Masters in the Brabanthallen! A unique evening where top sport, networking and our visibility as HeadFirst Group came together.
After more than 10 years of absence, together with The Dutch Masters, we brought back the iconic horse exchange format. Four absolute top riders - Willem Greve, Henrik von Eckermann, Philipp Weishaupt and Maikel van der Vleuten competed not only on their own horses, but also on those of their competitors.
Greve champion, Cupid outstanding
In an exciting final, Willem Greve was crowned the Best of Champions! With a combination of technique, speed and precision, Greve proved his class and earned the coveted title. Also an honorable mention for Cupido, Philipp Weishaupt's horse, who stayed clear all evening under all four riders and did not touch a single beam. A true achievement!
Enjoying together at The Dutch Masters
What makes our work at HeadFirst Group so special? The people! And we brought them together during this event. We were present with a large group of colleagues in the stands to encourage the riders and enjoy the great atmosphere. Striive was also well represented with zzp'ers, strategic partners and suppliers. A perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships and enjoy top sport together at the highest level!
Be part of HeadFirst Group?
At HeadFirst Group, we try to integrate the lessons of sports into our work. The teamwork and mentality found in sports are also essential to our success in the organization. This event is a perfect example of that. Do you also want to be part of an organization where ambition, collaboration and fun go hand in hand?
Check out our vacancies and who knows, maybe next year you will join us at the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions!
Second Team HeadFirst Group Padel Tournament
Second Team HeadFirst Group Padel Tournament
At HeadFirst Group, we embrace our core value of Connecting People and bring it to life in our daily work. This was evident during our second padel tournament, where over 90 colleagues took to the court together.
From an instructive clinic for the beginners, to intense and fanatical matches between the more advanced players. Everyone could find his or her sporting challenge here. We also bring this mentality of cooperation, fun and getting the best out of yourself back to our organization. As icing on the cake, Thomas Berge closed the day with a smashing performance.
Be part of Team HeadFirst Group?
At HeadFirst Group, we try to integrate the lessons of sports into our work. The dedication, teamwork and mentality found in sports are also essential to our success in the organization. By embracing these values, we create an environment where we can grow together and give our best both in the workplace and beyond. Interested in working at HeadFrist Group? Check out our job openings.
Presentation of Top Sport Community Award
Presentation of Top Sport Community Award
Pieter van den Hoogenband was with us to present the award on behalf of our partner Topsport Community. This year was all about "support," and the team from Staffing Management Services received well-deserved recognition for their exceptional cooperation.
The atmosphere was good right away: a swinging brass band, cream puffs, and a team that was visibly surprised. Pieter put it nicely: "You never win alone. It's all about the people around you who support you and make you stronger." That is exactly what we stand for as HeadFirst Group.
Team performance
What makes this award so special is that it is truly a joint achievement. Besides the core Staffing MS team, colleagues from finance and contracting contributed significantly to the success. A great example of how we at HeadFirst Group work together across labels to achieve the best results.
Connecting, celebrating, looking forward
This award highlights what makes Team HeadFirst Group strong: collaboration, commitment and celebration of successes. By working together across teams and disciplines, we take a step forward every time.
Thank you to Topsport Community for this wonderful recognition and to all colleagues who made this possible. Together we achieve more!
HeadFirst Group and The Dutch Masters join forces
HeadFirst Group and The Dutch Masters join forces
HeadFirst Group is entering into a unique partnership with The Dutch Masters for the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to commit to such an iconic and prestigious equestrian event. It offers the possibility to push boundaries and create new opportunities together with The Dutch Masters.
Iconic horse change format
Thanks to Headfirst Group - Best of Champions, we return to the iconic format of the horse swap. Olympic champion Christian Kukuk, world champion Henrik von Eckermann, European champion Steve Guerda and Dutch champion Willem Greve will compete against each other, not only with their own horses, but will also jump the course with each other's horses. It promises to be a historic showdown. We last saw this horse exchange during the World Championships in Caen in 2014, where Jeroen Dubbeldam became world champion.
Marion van Happen | CEO, HeadFirst Group
"We are immensely proud of our partnership with The Dutch Masters. Sport has the unique power to bring people together. At HeadFirst Group, we believe in the power of collaboration and connection. We Dare to Lead by pushing the boundaries and creating new opportunities together with The Dutch Masters. With the return of this format, together we are doing something unique for the sport and its fans."
Jeroen Dubbeldam | Sports Director, The Dutch Masters
"I am delighted that we have found such a suitable partner. I have been with HeadFirst Group myself, and it is a company that is very professional and tightly run. As soon as you walk in there, you immediately understand why they want to connect with the Best of Champions. They really strive for the best of the best. You see that, you feel that, and you notice that everywhere. The best riders in our sport are a perfect fit for that. I hope that if this category catches on as well as we expect, we can continue to expand it in the future."
The Dutch Masters
The Best of Champions will take place on Thursday evening, March 13, during The Dutch Masters. The Dutch Masters is an iconic equestrian event that began in 1966 and has played an important role in international equestrian sports ever since. Next year, The Dutch Masters will take place from March 13-16 at the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch. This prestigious event is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Annually attracting more than 65,000 visitors, The Dutch Masters offers an impressive mix of top-level show jumping and dressage.
HeadFirst Group in action at Premier Padel
Colleagues in action at Premier Padel
A nice mix of sports and valuable insights: that is what our colleagues experienced during the Premier Padel event in Rotterdam Ahoy! With representation from Yellow Friday and Sterksen, they dived onto the padel court together for the dynamic Clinic & Compete. HR specialists from several large organizations worked up a sweat playing padel, but it was Lennert and Stef who stole the show by winning this event!
After the games, they enjoyed dinner at the padel court, a great opportunity to catch up together and exchange experiences. Besides the sporting challenge, during the event they also discussed the most important HR challenges for the coming year. By sharing insights and learnings, you come up with new ideas and strategies together.
The day ended with top-level padel, where the best padel players in the world showed their skills. The atmosphere was excellent, and the enthusiasm of all present made this day unforgettable.
Thank you to Topsport Community, and to everyone who attended for the energy, sportsmanship and inspiring conversations!
HeadFirst Group joins Topsport Community
HeadFirst Group joins Topsport Community
HeadFirst Group is all about connecting people and doing a little better every day. We are building a winning work environment where collaboration and performance are key. To reinforce this, we have joined the Topsport Community, founded by Pieter van den Hoogenband, Olympic swimming champion and 'chef de mission' of TeamNL in Paris 2024.
Our CEO, Marion van Happen, is excited about the partnership: "Sport has a unique power to connect people, which fits perfectly with our core value 'Connecting People'. Top athletes strive every day to be a fraction faster or better, and that is exactly the mentality we have at HeadFirst Group as well. Together with the Topsport Community, we want to make that culture of winning and working together even stronger."
Pieter van den Hoogenband, founder of the Topsport Community, is also enthusiastic; "HeadFirst Group is a fantastic company that understands what we want to achieve with the Topsport Community: connecting the worlds of top sport, science and business and sharing knowledge. So that we move forward together. HeadFirst Group breathes top sport: they are curious and want to perform. We therefore look forward to the cooperation."
For Bart van der Geest, Head of Marketing Communication & CX, this is a perfect match: "The collaboration with Topsport Community fits into the bigger picture of our 'Team HeadFirst Group' program. We are building a winning work environment, matching our status of 'great place to work'. The winning mentality from sports fits perfectly. Playing sports together, experiencing sports together, cheering together. We believe this contributes to our desired culture, our employer brand and our appeal as a service provider."
In short, this collaboration is more than just a partnership. It is a joint ambition to continue to grow, innovate and strive for the best together! At HeadFirst Group, we believe we get further together - in the workplace and beyond.
HeadFirst Group strengthens second position in Flex Market Turnover Ranking with impressive growth
HeadFirst Group strengthens second position in Flex Market Turnover Ranking with impressive growth
We are super proud! In 2024, HeadFirst Group once again achieved the second position in the prestigious Flex Market Turnover Ranking Top-100.. In the Netherlands, we achieved an impressive organic revenue growth of €333.3 million during 2023. On to next year!
For the year 2022, we still recorded a Dutch turnover of €1,926 million. In 2023 this increased by over 17% to €2,259.3 million. We also saw a nice increase in employee satisfaction of almost 10%, which says a lot about the work culture within HeadFirst Group and our commitment to letting talent flourish. Equally important is the jump in satisfaction among our clients, suppliers and independent professionals, with 31 points in the NPS.
Our CEO Marion van Happen says; "We set ambitious goals for 2023, driven by our core values. I am immensely proud that we not only achieved these goals, but exceeded them! This underlines our determination to not only meet expectations, but to rise above them. Our team's passion, drive and effort drive our performance. This makes us leaders in HR tech services in thought leadership, talent intelligence and innovation."
About the coming year, she would like to say the following. Marion continues about this year's ambition and goals: "In 2024, we will continue our existing strategy. We want to realize our vision of being technology agnostic for all our stakeholders, with our platforms Striive, ProUnity and OpenTalent at the center. By making smart use of automation and AI, we can further digitize the end-to-end process so that we can add our personal touch at the moments when it really adds value. Beyond our core business, we are taking the lead in moving toward a just, diverse and inclusive labor market. We are building an even more sustainable organization so that we can provide value to the society around us. Our ambition is to be the first HR tech company to become Bcorp certified this year."
All annual figures
Early this year, we presented our annual results, including our international operations. We achieved record sales of 2.6 billion, representing organic growth of 21 percent over 2022. Our annual report is available for viewing and download on the Investor relations page. Do you also want to contribute to this and are you interested in working at HeadFirst Group? Take a look at our vacancies and discover how you can contribute to our growth and innovation.