Passing the torch: reflections and visions for HR at VIB
April 24, 2024
After 27 years leading our HR department, Marijke Lein is retiring. She's handing over the reins to Veerle Bogaert, who's spending April alongside Marijke to learn the intricacies of our organization. We sat down with Marijke to discuss the organization's evolution, from its inception to now, and VIB’s enduring values. Meanwhile, we also look toward the future with Veerle.
Marijke, you've been with VIB since the very beginning. How did you find your way here?
Marijke: "I came from industry. I was, amongst others, the department head of human resources at IKEA. I was ready for a new challenge and came across the HR position at the newly established VIB. Nobody knew what lay ahead for VIB, but Jo [Bury] and Rudi [Dekeyser] were so convincing and enthusiastic that I couldn't resist!"
Sounds very exciting! What were some of the early challenges the company faced, and how did HR contribute to overcoming them?
Marijke: "Well, I started in December, and by January 1996, we already had 180 people on the payroll. So, in that first month, we had to develop the labor regulations and draw up all the contracts. We really had to step up our game! I went to the VIB labs with bags full of contracts. But I'm proud to say that none of the 180 people had errors in their first pay (laughs)! And back then, we didn't even have internet or email! Everything had to be done over the phone or via fax. We also faced resistance from the universities in those early months. People saw us as a sort of threat mainly because many people hardly understood what was happening as it all went very fast. The scientific directors were used to making all the decisions themselves, and suddenly, we were there."
Sounds like real cowboy times.
Marijke: "Yes, those were incredibly exciting, adventurous times. Things weren't going so well in the academic world in Flanders back then, and many people would have been out of a job without the establishment of VIB. We were a team of six people, and we had to start everything from scratch. We worked incredibly hard and had late nights, but we also had a lot of fun! It took some time, but gradually, we gained the trust of the people at the research centers and proved that we were an added value. HQ began to grow over the years with various functions and services, and I believe we've now shown the centers that we're here to support them and the scientists as much as possible. We're really here to take as much workload off their hands as we can."
How has the organizational culture changed over the years?
Marijke: "The most significant change was our rapid growth and internationalization. Initially, the academic world was very Flemish, partly because grant applications had to be in Dutch. So, most of our scientists were primarily Flemish in the beginning. Then we started the International PhD program, aimed at the recruitment of foreign PhD students, and that took off very quickly. Now, 70% of the postdocs and 50% of the PhD students have an international profile. This internationalization also brought about a significant cultural change.”
What are some core values that have remained constant?
Marijke: “Our service to the centers has actually remained constant. We don’t just provide financial support; we also offer a personalized, person-centered service. People who have been on the payroll for a long time notice that personalization. We want scientists to focus as much as possible on their research and show that we are an added value. In that aspect, we offer more flexibility than the universities. That has always been very important. We can solve things differently and have a can-do mentality that is appreciated.”
I’ve seen some photos from VIB’s early days, and I was surprised to recognize many faces still around today. What do you think attracts and retains people?
Marijke: “I think it’s a very exciting environment with new initiatives all the time! There are many smart, creative people, and there are always new ideas bubbling up that you can get involved in. Those new projects also bring new challenges. So, you have to stay alert, search for solutions, and deal with new situations. That’s also the reason why I stayed here for so long! I never got bored. I really couldn’t leave; there’s so much to experience and so many new things to learn. And last but not least, there are so many very nice, creative, hardworking, and driven people to work with, and we really offer a warm environment."
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your tenure as HR director?
Marijke: "That's a difficult question! In general, I'm very proud that we are where we are and that we've achieved this through good collaboration and getting the centers on board. VIB is a complex organization – people on many different payrolls and other funding channels - but we managed to develop a harmonious personnel policy. The focus on leadership and the establishment of a comprehensive training program consisting of several pillars is also something I am proud of. All this was only possible through a joint effort with a fantastic and motivated HR team and all the support and freedom I received. Now, we're present as an HR team, and people know how to find us and that they can rely on us."
What are your first impressions, Veerle?
Veerle: “First and foremost, the very warm welcome I've felt from the team, at HQ, and at the centers. That's very nice to experience. People enjoy doing their thing, and that warm welcome felt completely natural. It's a large organization with a complex structure, and I've already seen that complexity while getting acquainted with VIB. There are many abbreviations, there's a real VIB language! I'm glad I already have some experience in the university sector. I've worked for UAntwerpen for 10 years, the Karel de Grote Hogeschool for another 10, and then for a general hospital in Antwerp. So I can immediately integrate part of that complex story. It's already giving me a lot of energy. Nothing is the same, and in an organization undergoing such movement, I will continue to learn new things. I already know it's going to remain interesting!"
What are your initial priorities for the HR department?
Veerle: "For the first three months, I'll mainly focus on getting to know VIB. I'm really glad that Marijke and I can spend this month together, so I can learn a lot. It's nice to see what's already there. There’s a lot to build on. I really want to continue that tailor-made service, and to do that, you have to stay constantly connected and talk to people. I want to know what people need to feel at home at VIB and to do their research. I want to maintain that personalized service and know what added value we can provide so that all researchers can thrive, develop, and feel at home."
What do you both think are the biggest challenges for HR in 2024?
Marijke: "I notice that younger generations have a different view of work and life. They attach more importance to a good work-life balance. One of our biggest challenges, I think, is losing human contact. Everything is so online that I'm afraid we'll lose it. We need to make sure we don't overdo hybrid working; VIB must remain a warm environment."
Veerle: "I agree. VIB is a people organization, and connecting - in an authentic way - is crucial. This requires strong leadership. HR support in this will always remain an important focus.”
Marijke: "I also think it's essential that if people are struggling, they're not punished. Sometimes, people may not feel so good, but on the other hand, we must respect and accept each other's achievements. I would advise not to put everything in policies. try to keep the warm, human touch. In that respect, I'm a true HR person. That's also the reason why I studied psychology."
Speaking of work-life balance, what keeps you busy outside of work, Veerle?
Veerle: "I'm also a cyclist, something Marijke and I, besides our Western Flemish roots, have in common! I also do some volunteer work. I sit on the board of directors of two facilities for people with disabilities, and I'm part of the volunteer team at the Roma concert hall in Antwerp. Besides, I have three daughters, so I spend a lot of time with family."
And do you have plans for your future free time, Marijke?
Marijke: "I'll definitely stay on the board of directors of two international schools. I'm also looking forward to doing more sports. Cycling or picking up golf again. I'll also have more time for my five grandchildren. I know I benefited a lot from the help of my own mother. She was the reason I was able to always work full-time. I'd also like to do some volunteer work with children or young people. And time for myself! We'll see what comes my way. My days will certainly be filled. I'm really going to miss it all, though."
And we will definitely miss you too! Thank you both.
