Years together at Distrilog: four colleagues look back
Some colleagues have been with Distrilog almost since the very beginning. Over the years, Wendy, Herman, Rudy and Kristof have built impressive careers within the company. They have watched Distrilog grow, worked at different sites and met many colleagues along the way. What are they all proud of? The fact that they have been working at Distrilog for so long and still enjoy it just as much.
From warehouse operator to team leader – and back again
Herman and Rudy joined Distrilog in 1999 as warehouse operators and took on various tasks and responsibilities over the years, from loading and unloading to working as reach truck drivers and order pickers. Today, they are still working in the warehouse. Kristof has also been with Distrilog since 1997. He has worked at several different sites and is currently a team leader and warehouse operator in Olen.
Wendy joined Distrilog when she was twenty years old, making it her first permanent employer. Twenty-six years later, she is still working as an order picker. She too has worked at several different locations over the years. Each of them has built a long career at Distrilog in their own way.
A company that kept growing
When you have been working at Distrilog for this long, you have had a front-row seat to the company’s growth. “It has become huge,” Herman says. “In the past, you knew everyone. Of course, that’s different now. In a way, I miss that, but it’s also understandable when you see how much Distrilog has grown.”
That growth was not limited to the warehouses. Transport grew alongside them. “The warehouse and transport operations have really grown hand in hand,” Herman explains. Rudy, however, points out that the essence of the job has changed very little. “Everything has mainly become much bigger. But the work itself is essentially still the same. There has always been work.”
In the past, you knew when you started...
The way people work has changed over the years. Today, there are clearly defined shifts, whereas in the early days, working hours could be much less predictable. “In the past, you knew when you started, but you didn’t know when you would finish,” Herman says. “There were periods with some serious peaks.” They all remember those busy periods well.
Kristof and Herman clearly remember founder Leo working alongside them in the warehouse, including at weekends. Rudy, meanwhile, looks back somewhat nostalgically at the freedom they had in the past. Working conditions have become more professional and structured, but according to him, the willingness to work hard has always remained.
Their favourite memories
Over almost three decades, they have naturally collected plenty of memories. Wendy met her current husband at work. She also met her good friend Leslie at Distrilog, who has now been working for the company for more than 25 years as well. They all remember the team-building activities from the past, such as a BBQ at De Schorre in 2011. The opening of BDK in 2009 is another memorable moment.
Why did they stay?
Four people, four careers, but remarkably, their reasons for staying are very similar.
For Wendy, variety and colleagues are important.“Of course, you have to work here, but there is plenty of variety. It’s different from working on a production line. New customers come in and you are constantly faced with different situations.” Above all, however, it is the helpfulness of her colleagues that has kept her at Distrilog. “I’ve always had a good experience here. If something serious happens in your life, there is a lot of understanding, especially from the managers. Even during difficult times, for example after losing someone, I have received a lot of support.”
For Herman, variety is also one of the main reasons. He enjoyed helping out at other depots, meeting new people and working with different products. “That kept the job interesting.” For Rudy, the answer is simple: his colleagues, the variety and the feeling that he is in the right place. “I started here and never left. I’m happy here.” And Kristof? “I enjoy my job and I have great colleagues. Even when you move to another site, you always come across people you know, while also getting to meet new people.”
A place to gain experience and grow
What would they say to someone starting at Distrilog today? “Come here to gain experience,” Herman says. “You’re always welcome here,” Rudy adds. “If you enjoy your job, you can stay here for a long time.”
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