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.
A year of growth and innovation
A year of growth and innovation: A look back at 2023
The past year has been a period of significant progress and strategic development for HeadFirst Group. If you're curious about how the organization did and what steps we took, read on as we look back at the year 2023.
Strong organic growth
2023 was another year of strong organic growth for HeadFirst Group. At the same time, we laid the foundation for successful years to come, with our '5 bold steps' strategy that sets our direction for the coming years. This strategy forms the backbone of our company and helps us achieve our goals in a structured and focused way.
HeadFirst Group consists of different brands, each with its own identity and solutions. Our strength lies in the synergy and collaboration between these brands. We had an exceptionally good year in 2023, growing 21% organically. This growth was due to our commercial successes and our ability to combine solutions for our clients.
Data-driven organization
Over the past year, we have made significant progress in advancing our key core processes: matchmaking, contracting and finance. Some tangible results include an increase in the number of bids for contracts, a reduction in the turnaround time to complete a file for a contract and an improvement in our customer satisfaction by more than 30 NPS (Net Promoter Score) points.
A new CRM system (HubSpot) was implemented, replacing several other systems, professionalizing our sales process and creating opportunities for marketing automation. We also digitized all customer journeys and rolled out the feedback technology Ratecard groupwise. This gives us continuous insight into customer satisfaction and allows us to collect a lot of feedback as input for our continuous improvement process.
Our business intelligence (BI) team has made significant strides toward creating a 'data lake,' in which we collect all of the group's data. To access this "data lake, " we have built numerous new dashboards with rich insights for colleagues and customers.
Our platforms
In 2023, we made great strides in the area of digitization, particularly with the launch of our new platform brand Striive. This platform allows us to digitize the entire end-to-end process of sourcing, matching, contracting and paying professionals. We believe this digitization will allow us to add personal attention at the moments when they really add value for our clients.
Another notable technological development within the group was the presentation of our ProUnity brand's mobile app. In this app, professionals and delivery partners can manage information, confirm timesheets and create and submit invoices.
Great Place to Work
In addition to business success, we remain committed to creating a positive work environment for our employees. We are proud to have once again been recognized as a Great Place to Work and we are pleased to have experienced a 10% increase in employee satisfaction. We organize or participate in events and activities for our employees, think staff parties, sporting events and educational sessions.
The next world of work
In the last month of 2023, we were excited to share the news that HeadFirst Group and Impellam Group will join forces, which was ratified in March 2024. Together, we will be the leading service provider in STEM talent and Managed Service Provider with a distinctive HR-tech platform, creating a world leader in workforce solutions.
The past year has been a year of growth, innovation and collaboration for HeadFirst Group. But we are far from finished. We look forward to the future and the opportunities ahead. We invite you to be a part of our team and work with us on "The next world of work.
Are you interested in working at HeadFirst Group? Then take a look at our vacancies and discover how you can contribute to our growth and innovation.
HeadFirst Group and Impellam join forces
HeadFirst Group and Impellam Group officially join forces
As of Thursday, March 21, Impellam Group is part of HeadFirst Group! We announced it back in December and now we can proudly confirm that the acquisition of Impellam has been completed.
Together, we are the leading service provider in STEM talent and Managed Service Provider with a distinctive HR-tech platform, creating a world leader in workforce solutions. Together, we are embarking on a new and exciting strategic journey with a clear vision:
Amplifying talent and tech globally
Powering the next world of work, together
For a better future
Stronger together
HeadFirst Group and Impellam Group strengthen each other:
- We are creating global scale. Impellam has a presence in the UK, North America and Asia Pacific (APAC), HeadFirst Group in continental Europe. Because there is limited to no overlap, we create a larger group with global coverage, which benefits clients.
- Together, we will have a larger market share by leveraging an extensive STEM, digital and IT talent pool of 1+ million professionals.
- We will explore how our efficient way of working combined with our HR tech can contribute to the ways Impellam delivers services. Together, we believe in the strategy of "tech enables touch.
- Impellam professionals may eventually start to benefit from Professionals services, as we already know them in the Benelux.
- The acquisition will also create more career development and advancement opportunities for colleagues.
- The cultures of Impellam and HeadFirst Group complement each other well. Although the wording may be slightly different, the principles are the same: customer centricity, continuous improvement and fighting together for "the next world of work.
Business as usual
A management team will be installed over HeadFirst Group and Impellam, formally called HeadFirst Global PLC, consisting of a delegation from both organizations. This has no direct impact on the way HeadFirst Group and Impellam operate. Business as usual, in other words. We will continue to deliver our services to clients, partners and professionals as they have come to expect from us. A little better every day, learn every day.
Future
HeadFirst Group and Impellam are together poised to grow into a global leader in workforce solutions and more specifically HR tech, MSP and STEM talent!
Retrospective staff party Out of Space
Retrospective staff party Out of Space
What an otherworldly good corporate party we had on March 7, 2024 in Hoofddorp! The party took place in the beautiful theater of our headquarters. This time the theme was Out of Space and that was not to be missed! Beautiful decors and great outfits, all in style. Of course there was also good music from different DJs and acts, delicious snacks and drinks, and even robots were present.
With all colleagues from the different locations, we made it a party again. We are still enjoying with this beautiful aftermovie. Watch it below and taste the atmosphere of this pleasant company party.
Would you also like to enjoy our legendary parties next time? Then check out our vacancies and who knows, maybe we'll see you at the next party in September!
Empowering leadership
Empowering leadership: the journey to effective servant leadership
Leadership at HeadFirst Group is not about exercising authority, but about creating an environment where people can grow and be themselves. To transfer that mindset to our executives, they participate in Lepaya's Empowering Leadership training. Natasja Spooren and Klaske Kuipers talk about their experiences.
During the training, they learned that good leadership is more than making strategic decisions. It is about understanding and actively applying principles that can positively influence both the individual and the team. Klaske says, "The training is about translating leadership values into concrete actions. Now I am much more aware of how my leadership style affects my team."
Natasja found the module on difficult conversations to be especially practical. "Sometimes it's quite difficult to get your message across well, especially if it's not what the other person wants to hear," she says. That module gave her tools to meet that challenge. What really made a difference was the module on flexible empowerment. "By adapting my leadership to the needs of others, I can respond effectively to different situations and team needs."
And this whole process was supported by Klaske's supervisor (and CEO) Marion van Happen. In their one-on-one meetings, they regularly discussed progress and planned next steps together. "As a company, we emphasize 'servant leadership.' We want to create a culture of trust in which openness and transparency are central. We listen to what our employees really need and look at their individual talents. It's nice that we can reinforce this with the customized leadership program from Lepaya," explains Marion.
Our new brand identity
Onze nieuwe brand identity: een frisse start voor een gedurfde toekomst!
At HeadFirst Group, we not only nurture a bold ambition; we have a mission. Our goal? To create a labor market that is fair and transparent, where we make a difference. But that's not all. We strive for an international appeal that positions us as a leading HR tech service provider and the digital platform, with the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and human interaction.
That's why we have a brand new brand identity! This renewal is not just a visual makeover, but also a powerful message that highlights our forward-thinking approach, the human factor and our technological focus. We embrace our role as an innovative and modern tech-driven organization, ready to embrace the future.
Getting a little better every day
Getting a little better every day, both as an organization and as individuals, is what we strive for
Joke talks about the ambitions of HeadFirst Group
HeadFirst Group has received the certification of a 'Great Place To Work' for the second year in a row. "We have grown on all fronts compared to last year, thanks in part to the commitment of all teams to address areas for improvement and that has paid off," says Joke de Graaf, Head of HR & Organization.
Why is certification so important to HeadFirst Group?
"Listening to our employees is the essence of our organization. Their input is invaluable to us and central to our efforts to be an excellent employer. We can say we are a good employer, but with this certificate we can really demonstrate this and communicate what employees experience and feel. What makes this survey very valuable is that it provides us with concrete tools to continue to improve. The independent employee survey uses the Trust Index to measure trust, pride and pleasure. Themes that are very important to us."
"The survey shows that employees feel the same way. Everyone feels welcome, at home and appreciated, with the freedom to be themselves, regardless of gender, origin or age. On that last theme we even achieve a score of almost 100, how nice is that!"
What has improved from last year?
"Last year we took a close look at onboarding and adjusted it based on feedback from new colleagues. We looked at what went well, but especially what they missed. And we noticed that those adjustments had an effect."
"In addition, we have worked on communication. With us there is no rigid hierarchy, but rather bottom-up leadership. Of course there are issues that are discussed first in the MT, but communication to the teams could be better. Therefore, together with the marketing and communications team and management, we discussed how to improve this so that the teams are even better informed about what is going on."
What are you most proud of within HeadFirst Group?
"Mutual trust is important to us and we like to give employees the freedom to do their jobs. Making mistakes is allowed and is of course part of the job. That is why 'Learn every day' is one of our core values. It is positive that the survey shows that employees are innovative and try to do things in an innovative and better way. Getting a little better every day, both as an organization and as individuals, is what we strive for."
"I like to see that, despite the growth we have experienced and continue to experience, the employees indicate that everyone is approachable, and we are able to maintain the open and accessible culture . That's what made us great and that's what we continue to maintain."
What will you be working on in the coming year?
"Although technology is our strength, we are a people company. That's why one of the spearheads is innovation. We are going to investigate how we can use technology better, so that repetitive tasks can be automated and we have even more time for personal contact with our partners and colleagues. At HeadFirst Group, employees are given the freedom and responsibility to get started themselves when they have a good idea. Using technology in the right way creates space for creativity and new ideas."
Would you like to experience working at a Great Place To Work for yourself? Take a look at our vacancies and find the position that suits you perfectly. Want to know more about HeadFirst Group as an employer or a vacancy? Please contact Charlie Windhorst, our Corporate Recruiter on 06 - 36304235 or werkenbij@headfirst.group. We like to think along with you!
Join the next world of work
Join the next world of work
The next world of work - a theme that indicates how advanced technologies are reshaping the way we work. We are currently in a world where technological advances and human connectivity are increasingly important. As an HR-tech service provider, our ambition is to lead the journey into this new world of work.
This includes an appropriate digital roadmap of technological innovations. Therefore, last year several projects were launched to shape this progress. In our inspiring live tech event "Up Next," we provide quarterly updates on the projects currently in full swing. The third edition of Up Next was marked by the completion of several projects and thus the going live of new platforms and systems, focusing on the customer experience.
So we were taken through the process of implementing improvements in various systems, based on the Kaizen method. Even good processes can be made even better. But how can we specifically improve our services? This became concrete in the explanation of the customer journey. With certain tools we gain insight into the entire customer experience. The foundation of the customer experience is set.
It also highlighted a special moment we are now moving into. Indeed, with the launch of our new platform Striive, our digital strategy is taking concrete form. This is not about the platform itself, but what it can solve for the user. A platform like this can create a lot of added value. With our Partners & Professionals services, for example, we make complex technology seem easy. And that is precisely what we want to create for our users: convenience!
Do you also want to make a difference in the new world of work? Then take a look at our vacancies for all open positions within HeadFirst Group.
Podcast Interview with Marion van Happen, CEO of HeadFirst Group: Balancing career, family and me-time
Podcast Interview with Marion van Happen, CEO of HeadFirst Group: Balancing career, family
As a working mother, you know that finding the right balance between career, family life and personal time can be an ongoing challenge. It is inspiring to learn from successful women who manage to achieve this balance admirably. In a podcast episode by Danja Lekkerkerk, our CEO Marion van Happen was recently interviewed. Together they discussed her impressive career and how she combines it harmoniously with her private life.
This episode offers an intimate look into Marion's life and is packed with valuable insights about achieving a successful career as a woman, balancing work and personal life, ambition, family life and the importance of personal time. Here are some key lessons learned from Marion:
1. The Art of Balancing: Marion reveals how she manages to combine her top corporate position with her family and personal time. She explains how she consciously makes time for every aspect of her life.
2. Energy Management: As a versatile woman with various responsibilities, Marion shares her secrets for effective energy management. She shows how she divides her energy between her various roles.
3. Dealing with challenges: Marion discusses the challenges she faces and how she overcomes them. Her resilience and determination are inspiring to any working mother.
In addition, Marion shares valuable career tips, including the importance of clear positioning, expanding your network in a friendly way, inspirational leadership and communication styles best avoided as a woman.
Marion van Happen is an inspiring example of a woman who leads her career and personal life in a balanced way. Her story shows that it is possible to be successful in both business and motherhood. Want to learn more about Marion's journey and the insights she shares? Then listen to episode number 48 of Danja's podcast at this link.
Our works council was born!
Our works council was born!
At HeadFirst Group, we have experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Our "family" has grown to over 450 colleagues, and with this growth it became clear that it was time for an important new step: the establishment of a Works Council (OR).
An exciting election day
When we made the announcement that we wanted to form an OR, we were overwhelmed by the response. Several colleagues applied to become members. This enthusiasm showed that our employees are strongly committed to our organization and willing to actively contribute to its future. An exciting election day followed, with a large proportion of our colleagues casting their votes. In the end, nine members were elected to represent our organization.
Proud of our OR members
We are extremely happy and proud of this group of colleagues who will volunteer their time to make our organization even better. The OR members will be an essential link between our employees and management. They will contribute ideas and advice to ensure that the voice of the employees is always heard. The OR members will also build a bridge between our various offices, which is why we have deliberately chosen a delegation from all locations.
We look forward to what the future will bring with our new OR on board. Together we are going to make our organization even stronger.