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Frequently asked questions

Samen Sterk offer

How is the Samen Sterk offer put together?

Each year the Samen Sterk team, together with the VerSTERKers, evaluates the course offerings and looks at which courses are performing well or less well and where there may be opportunities to expand the selection. This way we ensure the offer remains as varied and optimal as possible. Do you have an idea for a course that you’d like to share with us? Please fill out the contact form.

I signed up for a course and received a confirmation message saying I would hear more. But I haven’t heard anything yet. Why is that, and when can I expect more information?

You can assume that your registration has been received successfully and that we are currently busy organizing the course. If you would still like more clarity about your registration, feel free to contact us at via the contact form.

I’m on the waiting list but I’m unable to attend. Will I automatically be added to the list for the next course date?

Yes, you will automatically be added to the list for the next course. If you do not want this, please make sure to clearly mention it in your cancellation.

I heard from the trainer that the handout would be sent by email, but I haven’t received anything yet. Who can I contact about this?

If you haven’t received the documents within two weeks after the course, please contact Samen Sterk via the contact form.

How can I cancel my registration for a Samen Sterk course?

Please cancel at least one week in advance via samensterk@marel.com. These courses often involve external costs, so we aim to avoid half-filled sessions. Of course, personal or work-related reasons may arise that prevent you from attending last minute. In that case, always contact Samen Sterk.

Sustainable employability

Do we get company fitness or a discount at the gym?

No, this is not offered through Samen Sterk. The main reason is that we want to treat everyone equally, and it wouldn’t be fair if employees who practice a different sport don’t receive financial compensation.

Do I have to pay for the Samen Sterk offer or for personal initiatives?

You don’t have to pay for the Samen Sterk offer. Personal initiatives, however, are at your own expense, but you may use your SE hours during working hours.

Your SE hours

What are SE hours?

SE stands for Sustainable Employability. JBT Marel considers it important to provide a healthy, safe, and pleasant working environment. Through the Samen Sterk program, we offer employees the opportunity to work on their own sustainable employability, both now and in the future. Each calendar year, you are entitled to one paid employability day (8 hours per calendar year), referred to as your SE hours. There are various ways to use these hours, such as participating in the Samen Sterk offer, pursuing your own initiative, or contributing to a social cause. Click here for more information about the program and the available options.

What counts as a personal initiative?

Personal initiative is a broad concept, but it must always fit within a number of defined categories. It involves activities that contribute to your sustainable employability, within the themes of health, safety, development, and balance. Your personal initiative should therefore consist of one of the following options:

A preventive consultation with a specialist or coach
An introductory lesson or clinic in a sport
Shadowing a colleague
Taking an external training or course
Visiting a trade fair or networking event

Looking for inspiration? Check out examples of personal initiatives here. Not sure if your idea fits within these guidelines? Feel free to contact one of our VerSTERKers or submit your question via the contact form.

Do I have to use my SE hours all at once, or can I spread them over multiple days?

SE hours can be spread across multiple days or activities.

How can I use my SE hours if the course takes place outside working hours or during the weekend?

SE hours may only be used for activities that take place Monday through Friday between 7:00 and 19:00 (based on the flexible working policy). The reason for this is that we want your working hours on the day of your SE activity to be reduced by the same duration. For example, if you normally work from 7:00 to 15:00 and your activity takes place from 15:00 to 17:00 on the same day, you should work two hours less that day. for instance, from 9:00 to 15:00. Always coordinate this with your manager.

How can I register my SE hours and check how many I have left?

Registering and viewing your SE hours depends on the JBT Marel location where you work and the time tracking system you use. Below, we explain it for each system:

Timetell: see this instruction
ServiceMax: see this instruction
URS: book your hours under code 44 – 10
Ridder: contact Olga van Namen

What if I have ‘too many’ hours? For example, I take a 4-hour course and also want to take a 5-hour one. That adds up to 9 hours, which is too much. How should I handle this?

You can register up to 8 SE hours. You are allowed to take the 5-hour course from the Samen Sterk program, but the extra hour cannot be registered as SE time. That hour will count as your own time. If needed, you can use another type of leave hour for it (such as ADV or vacation).

I’ve used all my SE hours, but I’ve found another course I’d really like to take. Is that allowed, or do I have to wait until next year?

Please contact us via the contact form and we’ll add you to the reserve list in case a spot becomes available in the course. If the courses are fully booked, unfortunately you’ll have to wait until next year. Note: if you’ve used all your SE hours for this year but still want to take the course, it will count as your own time.

Are temporary workers also allowed to register SE hours and make use of the offer?

No, unfortunately this is not possible.

Why am I allowed to take introductory lessons for a sport, but not use my SE hours to go practice my own sport?

At Samen Sterk, we believe it’s important to use your SE hours for activities that contribute to your long-term sustainable employability. That’s why we offer you the opportunity to try out a new sport through Samen Sterk, with the hope that you’ll continue practicing it after the introductory lesson. For this reason, you may use your SE hours for an introductory lesson or clinic, but not for a sport you already practice. Sporting events such as a walking tour or marathon also count as personal time, so SE hours cannot be used for these activities.

If you form a regular group after an introductory lesson to continue practicing, can you use your SE hours for that?

No, at Samen Sterk, we think this is a fantastic initiative! However, it falls under practicing a sport you’ve already taken up (and no longer counts as an introduction), so you cannot use your SE hours for it.

I volunteer at my child’s school during their summer activities. I’ve been doing that for years. Can I use my SE hours for this?

Yes, as long as neither you nor the organization receives any financial compensation for it, this falls under the community purpose.

Can we use our SE hours to do volunteer work together as a team for a good cause?

Of course! Great that you want to do something together. Just make sure it fits within our guidelines. You can find them here.

Why can’t I use my SE hours for caregiving? Isn’t that also volunteer work?

Samen Sterk has chosen to allow volunteer work only for associations, foundations, or organizations not for individuals, friends, or family. This is because such activities do not contribute to your sustainable employability or serve a broader social purpose. At Samen Sterk, we believe it’s important to invest your SE hours in your future. If you’re struggling to combine caregiving with your job, please discuss it with your manager or HR.

Why am I allowed to use my SE hours for a consultation with a specialist, but not for a visit to the GP or hospital?

At Samen Sterk, we believe it’s important that you take a proactive approach to your physical and mental health and seek support from a coach or specialist when needed. This is a meaningful way to use your SE hours. For acute or reactive care, such as a visit to the GP or hospital, you don’t need to use SE hours. In those cases, you are entitled to special leave. Please refer to the employee handbook for more information.