Successful The Next Step meeting prompts entrepreneurs to think about leadership, personnel, and how to deal with absenteeism
Kralendijk, Bonaire – With an attendance of over 35 entrepreneurs, an inspiring and interactive meeting recently took place at Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire as part of the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce’s The Next Step entrepreneur program. The theme of the meeting, Sustainable Employability: Leadership and Personnel, proved highly relevant to the entrepreneurs present and led to valuable discussions, practical examples, and knowledge sharing.
Personnel constitutes one of the most important success factors for growing businesses. At the same time, many entrepreneurs experience challenges regarding leadership, personnel management, communication, motivation, and absenteeism. To support entrepreneurs in this area, the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce organized this meeting as part of The Next Step program.
The afternoon opened with an informative session by Jennefer Petersen of House of Melati, who took the attendees through the various aspects of absenteeism within organizations. Topics covered included the rights and obligations of employers regarding sickness absence, the financial impact sickness absence can have on a company, and the importance of clear internal absence protocols. Attention was also paid to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the responsibilities of employers, and the various roles of the insurance physician and company doctor.
Subsequently, Inge Berben of Berben & Colleagues conducted an extensive and interactive leadership workshop. Drawing on her extensive experience in various management positions and as an entrepreneur, she shared valuable insights regarding the crucial role of leadership within organizations. During the session, the influence of personal beliefs and values on an employer’s conduct towards employees was examined. Additionally, it was discussed how entrepreneurs can inspire, connect, and effectively manage their team by clearly communicating their vision, mission, and expectations.
The meeting was characterized by a high level of interaction. Entrepreneurs actively engaged in conversation with each other and the speakers regarding current challenges within their organizations. The topics of personnel, leadership, motivation, communication, and sickness absence, in particular, generated many questions and interest.
The high level of engagement from the participants confirms that these themes resonate strongly within the local business community. In response to the many questions and valuable discussions, the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce is exploring the possibilities of organizing additional meetings in the near future regarding specific topics that emerged during this session.
About ‘The Next Step’
The Next Step is a development program by the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce that supports entrepreneurs in the next growth phase of their business. Through training sessions, workshops, knowledge sharing meetings, and guidance, participants receive practical tools to further professionalize their company and ensure sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program or wishing to receive more information can contact us via bis@kvkbonaire.com or visit the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce at Kaya Amsterdam #23.