HR advisers for employees
The faces of the Human Resources Department
The HR advisers for employees (HRAMs) are there for you. They offer advice, a sounding board and a listening ear. We talked to Aria Guijt, who heads the account team for employees, HRAM Suzanne Linden and management development adviser Jessica de Lannoy. ‘For us, it’s all about people, their wishes and the problems they encounter individually.’
HRAMs are there for all BZ staff, whether they’re based in The Hague, posted abroad or locally engaged. What started as a pilot project in 2021 has become a permanent fixture in our organisation, and an assessment by the Central Government Audit Service showed that there’s great demand for this service: BZ staff want to be heard and appreciated.
Beeld: © BZ / Josje Deekens
Aria Guijt, head of the account team for employees at HDPO
Fresh start
Although the role of HR adviser for employees isn’t new, the team is. On 1 September 2025 HDPO made a fresh start after a reorganisation, including of the HR Advisory Division. There are now two separate account teams: one for managers and one for employees. Aria Guijt heads the account team for employees. ‘The reorganisation meant we scaled up from two advisers to six. A bigger team means staff have more opportunities to talk with us, for example about their career wishes or other HR issues they may have personally. When something’s bothering them, people want to talk about it. My advice is: try approaching your manager first. But if you can’t, or feel reluctant to do so, feel free to come to us.’
‘When something’s bothering them, people want to talk about it’ – Aria Guijt
Identifying signals
Aria and the rest of the team are also alert to signals that could indicate a pattern. If the same issues keep arising, they look at the big picture. ‘So as to gain more insight and measure our impact, we send an annual questionnaire to all staff who’ve contacted us that year – one that they can fill in anonymously. As HR advisers for employees we want to continually improve the service we provide. For everyone who works at BZ, we’re the face of HDPO.’
Beeld: © BZ / Josje Deekens
Suzanne Linden, HR adviser for employees at HDPO
How staff see things
Suzanne Linden joined the team of HRAMs last summer, after four and a half years as an HR adviser for managers. Drawing on her experience at HDPO and her psychology degree, she wants to do her bit to promote a safe and pleasant working environment. ‘For us, it’s all about people, their wishes and the problems they encounter individually. Confidentiality is assured in these conversations. We try to see things from the other person’s point of view. Awareness of how staff see things complements our advisory work – that’s our strength.’
‘Awareness of how staff see things complements our advisory work – that’s our strength.’ – Suzanne Linden
Speaking in confidence
Some of the questions that the advisers receive are about how HR tools, guidelines and rules are applied, as well as about procedures that – in the staff member’s view – have not been followed correctly. ‘That’s where our HR background and knowledge of the organisation comes into its own,’ Suzanne says. ‘If you think that guidelines and rules haven’t been properly followed in your case, you can speak to us in confidence and we’ll take a look at the matter together. We’ll be happy to advise you about what steps you can take next.’
Two minds are better than one
You can also approach the team about confidential HR issues that you don’t feel you can raise with your manager. Suzanne explains: ‘We help you to look for solutions – with your permission, of course. Some members of staff are hesitant to approach us, but we urge you to reach out if you think you need advice. As the saying goes, two minds are better than one!’
Beeld: © BZ / Josje Deekens
Jessica de Lannoy, management development adviser at HDPO
Tailored leadership development
Managers who want to hone their skills can contact Jessica de Lannoy, the management development adviser. She oversees leadership development for managers with final responsibility (first-time heads of mission) and managers who have successfully completed the management development pathway and have been appointed to their first serious management role. HDPO offers them tailor-made support on behalf of the Advisory Committee on High-Level Placements. ‘Together we look at what’s needed for them to successfully perform their role. They might for example need help with communication techniques, giving and receiving feedback or skills relating to change management. Managers wanting support can apply for a development assessment, or some other appropriate training.’
‘Giving pushback is part of it too. The people I talk to appreciate that.’ – Jessica de Lannoy
A sounding board for managers
The role of management development adviser fits Jessica perfectly. Having worked at BZ for 30 years, she knows the organisation inside out. She’s also good at getting to the heart of what someone’s asking – and therefore what support they need. It’s clear to her from her conversations with managers that they appreciate having a sounding board – someone to bounce ideas off of. ‘It’s inspiring working with different managers, always with the intention of helping them move forward. I’m empathetic, honest and impartial. Giving pushback is part of it too. The people I talk to appreciate that.’
Equipping managers to lead their team
Jessica and her colleagues ensure that managers are better equipped for their role and for the challenges they may encounter. ‘The whole organisation benefits from that. You’re the one leading your team, and that comes with certain responsibilities. Managing isn’t just about making sure that processes go smoothly. It’s also about enabling your staff to do their job effectively and creating a pleasant working environment. As manager, you don’t have all the answers and that doesn’t matter – as long as you’re able to reflect on your own performance and are prepared to develop professionally.’
Beeld: © BZ / Josje Deekens