What: commercial director at thrift store Het Goed
Translated.
Elles Kempers elles kempers it well
Who: Elles Kempers What: commercial director at thrift store Het Goed Achievement: the largest social retail enterprise in the Netherlands
An 'unprecedented diversity of people and talents' works at thrift store Het Goed. At the impact retailer, everyone gets the opportunity to gain work experience in an accessible way. More than 1,800 employees work at thirty thrift stores and six textile sorting centers. The majority of them receive guidance and support, including participation workers, interns, newcomers, day care and reintegration programs.
'Inclusivity is in our DNA. We take it for granted to let people participate and offer them suitable work. Retailing must be different: more sustainable and more inclusive. In the fresh department stores of Het Goed we show every day that this is possible.'
That success is due to a different approach. 'The development of the employee is central to this. We offer safety and space to be yourself. We do not think in terms of limitations, but we see that everyone has talents. We are looking for work with people, so that everyone can participate and learn at their own level. We are good at job carving and improvising.'
“It is inspiring to experience the commitment of the teams and to see vulnerable employees flourish,” she says. 'Personal stories are impressive. It gives an incredible amount of energy to do good together and contribute to a circular and inclusive society.'