Happiness at work - for employees and employers alike

What happiness at work looks like at Anthura

The need to promote workplace happiness is gaining traction. Workplace happiness is often defined as employees experiencing positive emotions, fully utilising their talents and finding a sense of purpose in their work. But it goes beyond feeling upbeat.

The benefits of a happy workforce are numerous and far reaching:

- More energetic and creative employees

- Increased productivity

- Reduced absenteeism

- Increased customer satisfaction

Happiness at work is personal. It means something different for each employee. Although employees play a part in fostering happiness at work, employers also have a crucial responsibility in creating a happy environment. At Anthura, we actively contribute to workplace happiness through various initiatives. #Togetherweareanthura

Celebrating an open culture and our core values

At Anthura, family values are deeply embedded in our company culture. Our family-oriented ethos encourages open communication, sharing the latest developments and celebrating achievements together through NIC, our intranet. We work together surrounded by our beautiful flowering products. During breaks in the company restaurant at Anthuriumweg, colleagues from different departments enjoy lively games of pool or simply have a friendly chat.

Our culture is defined by our core values: the power of togetherness, cultivating experts, driven by passion and creating a more beautiful world. These values enhance workplace happiness.

• The power of togetherness: Working together and feeling connected in the workplace promotes satisfaction and reduces stress.
• Cultivating experts: Being recognised as an expert and having a sense of mastery of one’s craft elevates employee self-confidence and fulfilment.
• Driven by passion: Inspired employees are more engaged and motivated, boosting happiness at work.
• A more beautiful world: At Anthura, we believe that empowering employees with a meaningful purpose amplifies workplace happiness by demonstrating the profound significance of their contributions.

Nurturing growth and development

Anthura firmly believes in the transformative power of personal and professional growth. Our tailored training programmes empower employees to chart their own developmental journey. From courses and workshops to seminars, we broaden horizons and foster expertise. By adopting a personalised approach, our managers and HR department collaborate closely to align growth opportunities with each employee's professional aspirations.

We also regularly organise internal courses that cater to the interests of employees across our different departments. Covering a wide range of topics — from our core expertise in plants to time management and AI — these sessions offer valuable learning experiences while cultivating the exchange of ideas and insights among colleagues.

Our network group often organises meetings and workshops on diverse topics, allowing employees to sign up for areas that interest them. Twice a year, the group holds department-specific meetings to discuss a department’s operations and goals, concluding with a communal dinner. These gatherings strengthen our internal network and also promote personal and professional growth, enhancing collaboration and the type of unity essential for workplace happiness and company success.

Fostering connection through fun events

Anthura regularly hosts enjoyable outings and events. We believe that getting to know each other in a different setting forges strong bonds.

Each year, in June, we kick off the summer with a themed week where the entire company comes together. Last year’s theme week focused on ‘A Glimpse into the Future’, beginning with a presentation from management about the company’s past achievements and future vision — accompanied as always by cake or pastries. The weeks include group lunches and activities related to the theme, ranging from yoga sessions to talks, culminating in a social get-together with drinks.

We regularly organise fun events for our employees, such as Anthura parties and family days, complete with refreshments. Anthura’s staff association, ‘PEVE’, arranges bi-annual outings for members, which can be anything from stand-up paddle boarding to Delft Blue pottery painting. Employees who are a member of PEVE can sign up for these outings. PEVE also supports employees during significant life moments by arranging gifts for weddings, births and retirements and hosts festive season gatherings featuring dinners and, for example, entertaining quizzes.

To bolster team spirit, each department receives an annual budget for a team outing, allowing it to plan an activity and a meal of its choice.

During the holiday season, we take the opportunity to express gratitude for our employees' hard work through thoughtful gestures like Christmas gifts.

Prioritising health and fitness

Health and fitness are vital elements for ensuring employee wellness. As an employer, we offer a variety of activities to keep our staff fit and active. Group sports, for example, promote physical health while also strengthening team bonding and providing enjoyment and relaxation.

At Anthura, we don’t just talk about health and wellness — we live it. We recognise that a healthy lifestyle drives workplace happiness and productivity, which is why we offer several health and fitness initiatives.

Our two sports facilities in Bleiswijk buzz with energy and provide a range of fitness equipment that our employees can use freely. Every Thursday, a personal trainer leads an invigorating bootcamp for employees at one of these facilities. And employees can enjoy friendly padel matches on a sponsored court at the local tennis club during the week. We have even taken our commitment to the streets, with a team participating in Rotterdam’s quarter marathon.

In addition to fitness activities, we provide on-site physiotherapy, and our company doctor holds consultations on site. This makes it easy for employees to access professional healthcare when needed.

All staff are entitled to a comprehensive Preventive Medical Examination (PME) at Vitasana every three years, enabling early health issue detection and providing lifestyle guidance. The PME pays particular attention to work-related health and safety risks.

Striking the perfect work-life balance

A good work-life balance is essential for personal well-being and happiness. It is important to have enough time after work to rest and pursue personal interests as this also helps boost workplace happiness. Our annual evaluation meetings provide a platform to discuss workload and pressures openly. We support employees with caregiving responsibilities through our Fello partnership and collaborate with a coach who can assist with various personal matters.