Upon returning to the office after the coronavirus crisis, the P&O division, at the request of the Executive Committee, started looking for new ways to encourage employees to learn more about the specific roles and responsibilities of colleagues. “Some colleagues have worked together for years without really knowing about each other’s work. They are in regular contact via e-mail or phone, but don’t know exactly what that other colleague is doing all day. The ‘Meet the expert’ project should put an end to this,” explains Nathalie Wouters from the P&O division.
Nathalie Wouters
Upon returning to the office after the coronavirus crisis, the P&O division, at the request of the Executive Committee, started looking for new ways to encourage employees to learn more about the specific roles and responsibilities of colleagues. “Some colleagues have worked together for years without really knowing about each other’s work. They are in regular contact via e-mail or phone, but don’t know exactly what that other colleague is doing all day. The ‘Meet the expert’ project should put an end to this,” explains Nathalie Wouters from the P&O division.
Thanks to ‘Meet the expert’, I now have a better insight into the general workings of the FAMHP and have been able to expand my network within the agency. I can undoubtedly use the knowledge gained in the future.
– Céline Thiry – Assessors division, DG PRE authorisation
The project was set up to offer a fun and interactive way to get to know colleagues and their responsibilities, in addition to the usual information sessions and integration process for new employees. “With this project, we especially want to encourage our employees to get to know their colleagues and their field of work a little better,” Nathalie explains, “which will not only promote collaboration between the various divisions across entities, but will also ensure that we can increase our expertise and experience.”
A first initiative came from the Directorate General Inspection with the project ‘inspector for one day’. Employees from other divisions were given the opportunity to follow an inspection from A to Z: from the preparation about the inspection itself, to the final meeting with the drafting of the inspection report. This initiative gave colleagues from other divisions the opportunity to ‘get into the field’ and get a better idea of exactly what an inspection entails.
‘Meet the expert’ not only allows us to share experiences among colleagues and strengthen ties within the organisation, but also allows you to discover other positions you may want to pursue in the future yourself.
– Catherine Landrieu – P&O division
And it was a success! At the launch of the project, more than 25 employees signed up to follow an inspection, which was more than expected. There were some very different profiles from different divisions. The reactions were also very positive. Better knowledge of the work of colleagues involved in the same processes improves collaboration and quality of work, while allowing employees to expand their network. Consequently, the P&O division is continuing to brainstorm new ideas to improve knowledge between all divisions.
I was able to follow an inspection closely last year – I know now that there is a great deal involved. The whole process starts with thorough preparation. For example, inspectors and auditors should be aware of the findings from previous inspections. Afterwards, they must also evaluate corrective and preventative measures before they can issue a certificate.
– Olivier Pauwels, Authorisations Division, DG Inspection
Christophe Debruyne – Ethel Mertens – Jean-Michel Piers – Katelijne Van Keymeulen
The International Relations division also pitched in. Two colleagues had the opportunity to follow the activities of this division for a day, including attending a consultation with the cabinet on preparations for an important conference as part of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union. This initiative demonstrated once again that the project improves the flow of information between divisions and contributes to the integration of expertise within the FAMHP.
“We will definitely continue to monitor this project,”says Nathalie Wouters. This project is perfect proof that we can learn a lot from each other.
Our FAMHP experts
Nathalie Wouters is head of the Employee and Organisational Development Entity within the Personnel and Organisation division. Along with her colleagues, she is responsible for knowledge policy, evaluation policy and policy around well-being and culture within the FAMHP.
