MEMBER AREA
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2026
WELCOME EVERYONE
IN 2026!
We've kicked off the new year with a flying start. New openings with great clients, a staff association in the works, and fun events and activities. We also have award winners, tips, and of course... news. Enjoy!
A TRIUMPH AT
ATRIUM
Just in time for the New Year we managed to land something new. On December 31st, we launched our Hospitality, Security, and Cleaning services at a location D&B had had its sights set on for years: Atrium.
The oldest and perhaps most beautiful office building in the Zuidas business district. Located right next to WTC Amsterdam and directly across from The Pulse, where we will also be opening soon.
This project was certainly no walk in the park. The contract includes 24/7 security (always a challenge), two security hosts, two hospitality hosts, and three cleaning hosts. And as if that wasn't enough, the entire launch had to be completed within just four weeks.
With this new deal, we not only gained a beautiful, EPIC location, but also a group of new, great colleagues.
We wish you the best of luck at Atrium, you guys!
Pictured: Wietske en Elly.
ALLIANZ
CUBEHOUSE
REMOTE
HOST
@ ASML
NEW SUCCESSES
IN THREE CITIES
Once again, we have some great successes to report in three different cities:
ALLIANZ (ROTTERDAM)
In the heart of Rotterdam on the Coolsingel, we were able to launch our Hospitality and Security services at the well-known financial services provider and insurer: Allianz. Welcoming and Security at a high level. 95 meters to be precise :)
CUBEHOUSE (AMSTERDAM)
A true MSO startup in Amsterdam's Zuidas district at Cubehouse. Hospitality, Security, and Cleaning. This is right up our alley and strengthens our position in the Zuidas district further.
ASML (EINDHOVEN)
Our Security and Hospitality departments are now being strengthened by our Remote Host. This Host, who works from a studio, also provides real-time assistance to people in buildings where there is no physical host. A powerful piece of technology with a considerable development time, but... we're LIVE!
Check out this video to see how this works!
D&B INVESTS
IN YOUR LEADERSHIP
You, our colleagues, make the difference: 5-star service requires the best people. And the best people deserve the best leaders.
With training partner Business Impact, we've developed a leadership program for our Site- and Cluster Managers. It's not boring stuff, but a journey that resonates: full of self-awareness, personal growth, and real impact.
Several team leads and site managers now also have the opportunity to grow through the Leadership Fundamentals program. They are the culture bearers and driving force of their teams – indispensable in their daily work. This is how we build the leaders of tomorrow together.
💬 “Leadership isn't what you are, but what you do. Every single day.”
ALLEO:
TIPS FROM THE EDITORS
The editors have a few more tips for you, which you can find in your Alleo app. Whether you're looking forward to a night at the cinema during these dark winter days or want to pamper your body with healthy eating to support your New Year's resolutions... Alleo has you covered. We have two great benefits for you.
AN EVENING AT PATHÉ
Treat yourself (or someone else) to a film at Pathé. With the Alleo voucher (up to 23% discount), you can choose a midweek or regular film. Easily purchase your voucher through the Alleo app, scan your QR code at the cinema, and... lights out, film on!
10% DISCOUNT AT SUPERFOODSTORE
Need some extra energy? At Superfoodstore, you can shop for healthy food, superfoods, and supplements, and with Alleo, you get 10% off your entire online order (yes, even on discounted items). Perfect for a healthy start to the year.
D&B CULTURE CLUB
BECOMES SERIOUS
Yes, you read that right. The organization behind the D&B Culture Club is taking a slightly more professional approach. D&B has established an official staff association with all the legal and business aspects involved. We won't bore you with the details, but the main benefit for you is clear: there will be an official budget for outings, drinks, movie nights, sporting events, and... a ski trip! Unlike many traditional staff associations, we don't charge membership fees.
And of course, this also includes an official board. Think of a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and... maybe you?
Exactly. The staff association (which we'll continue to call the D&B Culture Club) is looking for colleagues from operations who would like to contribute. They can contribute ideas for activities, help with the organization, and explore together what you enjoy doing.
Do you have some time to spare and does this sound like something you'd enjoy? Then send an email to laura.zwart@db.nl.
Say why the board should choose you, and who knows…
MEMBER PROFILE:
MEL MENNINGS
In this edition, we meet Mel! As you've come to expect from the Member Profiles, we take a look into the private life of one of your colleagues.
Mel Mennings is 25 years old, lives in Heesch, Brabant, and is a Hospitality Team Leader at ASML in Veldhoven. There's a wonderful connection between his work and his favorite hobby: theme parks, and Efteling in particular. What do the two have in common?
In a word: experience. Surprising and entertaining visitors and giving them an unforgettable experience.
Mel's love for theme parks runs in his blood. It's no surprise, then, that his sister (23) shares this passion; she works at the Efteling Grand Hotel.
When you visit Efteling, there's a good chance you'll run into Mel. He's "friends" with several of the park's residents. Do you see the resemblance in the photos? ;-)
During the coronavirus pandemic, attendance at the Efteling declined sharply. During that time, Mel transitioned to the back office and from there, entered the hospitality industry. Acting remained a hobby, as did his love of theme parks.
He'll soon be leaving for Orlando to visit Disney World and Universal Studios—a dream for any theme park enthusiast.
When asked what Mel wants to share, he replies:
"Always think carefully about the story your client or location wants to tell the visitor. What do you want to convey, and how can you best play your part in that?"
OUR NEW
HEAD OF RECRUITMENT
We proudly introduce D&B's new head of recruitment: Mirjam Deijkers-Houthoff. A first impression: Enthusiastic, driven, and energetic. Aiming for results, but always collaborative and fun. A seasoned professional whom we managed to snag from Action. And that's no small feat, as Action is incredibly popular and has over 10,000 employees in the Netherlands alone.
Mirjam lives near Rotterdam, is the mother of Melle, has a busy schedule, and loves being outdoors and active (miss padel). Besides five years at Action, she also worked for almost three years at our catering competitor, Vermaat, as a Recruitment and Employer Brand Manager. With Mirjam's arrival, we're bringing in a wealth of experience and energy that will be a valuable asset to us in the War for Talent.
Want to give Mirjam a flying start? Spread the word and recommend someone from your circle of friends or family to work at D&B!
WINTER CHAOS
WARM CHOICES
Two weeks ago was anything but straightforward. Snow, icy conditions, and challenging conditions demanded a lot from everyone. Yet, in many places, creative thinking was needed and responsibility was taken to ensure work continued safely and efficiently.
For the 162 locations where we at D&B provide our services daily, we constantly considered what was possible and responsible. It's inspiring to see how teams at every location found solutions together and helped each other, with an eye for safety, flexibility, and professionalism. That's EPIC in action.
You can read one of those stories below...
When Suri Zarezadeh Mehrizi woke up in a winter wonderland, she made a smart decision: a hotel stay near work. Despite the chaos outside, there was room for fun and even a snowman.
"On Wednesday, January 7th, we woke up in a true winter wonderland. Living in a village has its charm, everything covered in a beautiful coat of snow, a real picture! But immediately, a kind of alarm system tornado started spinning in my head. How will I get back to work tomorrow? How can I ensure everything runs smoothly?
After careful consideration, the most sensible solution turned out to be an overnight stay in a nearby hotel. That way, I was sure I'd get to work safely the next morning.
Despite the snowstorm, the busy roads, and the traffic jams that were all over the news, we didn't let them dampen our spirits. Because, let's be honest, even on such a chaotic day, you have to treat yourself every now and then. So we went to the parking lot to build a snowman and, of course, take some beautiful pictures! ❄️☃️
It was a wonderful reminder that, even in extreme circumstances and amidst chaos, you can find a smile and have fun together."
In the photo (circled in red) is Mirjam van der Linde as an extra. How fitting, in a restaurant!
WINNERS
WITH NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
We were inundated with entries for our Restaurant Voucher contest. Some were so long or extensive that we can't list them all individually, but here are the eight winners and a brief summary of their resolution(s):
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Karine van Herwijnen (Hospitality Hostess at ASML Veldhoven):
She's transforming our EPIC core values into: Enthusiastic, Positive, Honest, and Collegial. And at ASML, she's transforming Attention, Collaboration, Participation, and Live as if it's your last day. -
Natalia Kalneva (Cleaning Hostess at SBM Offshore in Rotterdam):
Turn Chaos into Capital and Master the Grind. By this, she means she'll introduce more structure into her work and expand her knowledge, which will make her more successful in 2026. -
Marieke de Meij (VIP Center Schiphol Employee):
She started playing soccer in 2025 for the senior women's team at SV Hoofddorp. Her New Year's resolution is to keep it up! -
Andrew Pietersen (We Canteen team at TotalEnergies, The Hague):
He's moving to a healthier and greener environment and will also start working out at the TotalEnergies gym. Finally, he's going to champion healthier options in the vending machines. -
Miriam Bakkes (Hospitality Hostess at ASML Veldhoven):
After heart problems, she finally has the green light to get back on track. Her New Year's resolution is to lose a little weight so her D&B outfit fits nicely again and start the year healthy! -
Mirjam van der Linde (Hospitality Hostess in Amsterdam):
Her role model is to take on fun extra roles again and appear in series like F*ckulteit, Tropenjaren, and Crypto Boy. -
Pascal Hoevenaar (Security Team Leader in Amsterdam):
Pascal sent us a whole document with lots of ways he wants to be less distracted by his phone. And if he does get distracted by his phone, it should be about positive things, not drama. -
Mahad Aden (Schiphol Valet Parking):
He said: In 2026, I'll park cars at Schiphol P6 so neatly that the control tower will want to take a look.
Thanks everyone for participating! You'll receive your restaurant vouchers. And finally: good luck with sticking to and achieving your New Year's resolutions!
WE PAY YOU
FOR THE HAPPY FEW
D&B professionals who refer D&B professionals have never been more important. And for good reason. You know better than anyone what type of person is a good fit for D&B. Someone from your own network is often an instant hit. We're happy to pay a little extra for that.
As you know, the referral bonus is €750 gross. Until now, there was one drawback: €250 was paid out after completing the probationary period, and the remaining €500 only after the 8th month. This meant a long wait for your full bonus.
That's why, from NOW until Tuesday, March 31st, we're paying out the full €750 gross after completing the probationary period (i.e., after 1 month).
So: look around in your circle of friends or family and refer someone. Know someone? Then contact one of our recruiters. View the terms and conditions here.
Together, we'll make D&B even stronger.
Some vacancies you can recommend:
You can find all our open vacancies at www.werkenbijdb.nl.
The following heroes have gone before you!
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Robin van Drongelen recommended Tristan Haizel.
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Moreno Jessurun recommended Luca Bhagwandin.
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Jimmy Kragten recommended Quaansah Blyer.
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Jorn Kolk recommended Maxim Ancher.
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Sam Bajyanama recommended Panthero Toney.
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Diamonn Olmberg recommended Chaideron Carrera.
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Ilyas van den Bos recommended Casper Rammeloo.
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Yasmine Leenheer recommended Jim de Moel.
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Jaliza van Rhemen recommended Yaara Munoz.
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Claudia Beekink recommended Marlie Van der Hooft (see photo).
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Heidi Droogh recommended Bernice Beljaars.
YOUR PERFECT TEAM-ACTIVITY
WANT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?
Bowling, karaoke, or paintball. We've all seen or done it. But will that really make your whole team happy? Yes? Then you definitely shouldn't participate in this promotion. Because you only win this promotion with the most creative, surprising, and connecting ideas for a team outing.
Join in and make yourself immortal within your team!
You know your teammates better than anyone. Are they sporty or mainly into fun? Forget ChatGPT for a moment and come up with an outing that will be talked about for years to come.
For example, last year the Marketing team went clay pigeon shooting, and our Social Media Manager Nienke proved to be remarkably accurate!
Which ideas have the best chance of success?
Connection and camaraderie are key for us. Is it an idea that will make your whole team happy? And make sure it's feasible. So not in a rocket ship, but something achievable and affordable.
Send your ideas to jeroen.peters@db.nl with a reasoned explanation, team members, location, and cost estimate, and the jury will evaluate your idea!
MEMBER
MILESTONES
In this newsletter, the D&B Culture Club congratulates the following colleagues on their anniversary milestone. This time, it's once again a board member :)
Dennis Koudijs
Herman Bos
Anouk ter Meulen
Mohamed Kaouch
Gerben Reij
Philip Jonkers
Vikash Poeran
Date of entry:
30-11-2020
01-01-2021
01-01-2021
04-01-2021
01-12-2015
14-12-2015
04-01-2016
Anniversary:
5 years
5 years
5 years
5 years
10 years
10 years
10 years
Corrie van Drunen will reach retirement age on December 5, 2025, but she's still going strong at A&O Shearman. Fun fact... Corrie has been with us for almost 20 years!
ALL HANDS
ON DECK
Since September, a project called "All Hands" has been active. This is D&B's approach to improving staffing at our locations. We need everyone to contribute: hence the name "All Hands."
Too often, there's a shortage of colleagues. As a result, we sometimes can't provide the right quality of service. This isn't just frustrating for our clients; the on-site teams also experience workload and sometimes even stress. This needs to improve.
That's why we're going to improve a number of things. There will be changes in how Site- and Cluster Managers work with planners. We'll also significantly improve our collaboration with temporary employment agencies. New colleagues will receive better guidance in their first few months on the job, allowing us to deploy them for longer. This way, we aim to significantly reduce staff turnover.
The project involves strong collaboration between Operations, Planning, and HR. For more information about this project, please contact Gerben Reij at gerben.reij@db.nl.
SUCCESS
STORIES
We should acknowledge more often everything that's going well. Celebrate our successes and give credit to colleagues who deserve it. Take Su Ying Leung, Cluster Manager at The Collection in Amsterdam, for example. She submitted the following:
"At The Collection, we send out an annual survey to all tenants. In this survey various aspects are measured including Hospitality and Cleaning. Our team scored a 9 (!!) for Hospitality and an 8.3 (!!) for Cleaning — truly exceptional results.
The Hospitality team also received wonderful compliments from the tenants. Reason enough to document this achievement with personal certificates."
A fantastic achievement and a wonderful example of what's possible when commitment, quality, and hospitality come together.
Do you also have great success stories you'd like to share in this newsletter? Then email them to jeroen.peters@db.nl.
