Your employee journey at Axelio: the vision of COO Daan Vink
Technology is developing rapidly. New innovations follow each other at a high pace, but ultimately it is not the systems or the software that make the difference. It is the people who work with them. At Axelio, we believe that good employment practices are just as important as technological innovation. We consciously invest in the entire employee journey: from the first introduction to personal development, leadership, and even the moment when a colleague leaves the organization. According to COO Daan Vink, this employee journey is not an HR initiative, but a strategic choice. "Our service depends on the people who execute it. When colleagues can develop, take responsibility, and enjoy working together, our customers ultimately benefit as well. That's why we consciously invest in every phase of the employee journey."
Application process: a fair introduction
The employee journey begins even before someone is employed at Axelio. "An application is not a one-way street for us. Of course, we want to know who the candidate is, but a candidate must also be able to determine whether Axelio is a good fit for them." That's why we consciously choose an open and transparent application process. We not only tell what we are looking for but also where we stand as an organization and where we want to go. As an organization, we continuously work on further professionalization.
This means that new colleagues are given plenty of room to take initiative and help build Axelio. This freedom also comes with responsibility. We are honest about this from the very first conversation. "We don't want to create expectations that we cannot meet. Better to have an honest conversation upfront than to face disappointment later."
Welcome: good preparation makes the difference
Once the choice has been made, the collaboration actually begins immediately. Even before the first workday, we ensure that new colleagues feel welcome. We stay in touch, share practical information, and prepare everything so that someone can start with confidence. "The first impression does not begin on the first workday, but from the moment someone says 'yes' to Axelio. It is precisely during that period that you can show what your organization stands for."
Onboarding: starting together
The first workday is not just about laptops, accounts, and systems. All new colleagues start together during a central introduction day, regardless of the location where they will work. "We involve new colleagues in our mission, vision, strategy, and core values. But we also find it equally important that they get to know each other. This directly lays the foundation for collaboration within Axelio."
After about two to three months, the same group comes together again. During this follow-up day, we discuss how the first period has gone, what experiences have been gained, and where additional support may be needed. "Onboarding does not stop after one day. We want to know how things are really going and whether someone feels at home within our organization."
Growth and development
At Axelio, learning does not stop after the onboarding period. Every employee is given the space to develop both professionally and personally. Through development conversations, we look not only at today's role but also at ambitions for tomorrow. "As a knowledge organization, we must continuously develop. This applies to our services, but just as much to our people."
As Axelio grows, different expertise and cultures come together. This offers employees ample opportunities to gain new knowledge, collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines, and build experience with various clients.
Axelio Academy: investing in the future
Development requires more than just technical certifications. Through the Axelio Academy, we also invest in consultancy skills, business knowledge, and personal development. According to Daan, this is more important than ever. "AI fundamentally changes our profession. More and more tasks are supported by AI. As a result, the role of consultants and software developers is increasingly shifting towards management, advice, and connecting business and IT. That's why skills such as analyzing, communicating, collaborating, and advising remain essential. Technology continues to develop. That's why human skills are becoming increasingly valuable."
Personal leadership
At Axelio, we believe that employees perform best when they are given trust. Leaders provide direction, offer support, and create clear frameworks. Within those frameworks, colleagues have the space to take responsibility and make their own choices. "My role as a leader is not to have all the answers. My role is to ensure that people can be successful." This way of leading also requires the development of our own managers. "A good consultant is not automatically a good leader. That's why we also invest in leadership."
Well-being and job satisfaction
According to Daan, job satisfaction does not arise because an organization organizes activities or tries to make work 'fun'. It arises when colleagues trust each other, collaborate, and take joint responsibility for the results. "When people feel safe to share ideas, help each other, and have space to develop, job satisfaction naturally arises."
Because sustainable employability is important, Axelio actively monitors how employees experience their work. When the workload within a team increases, leaders immediately discuss this with each other. "Then we look together at priorities, work distribution, and what we can organize differently. We prefer to prevent problems than to solve them afterwards. Additionally, employees and their family members can anonymously use the coaches and psychologists from OpenUp when needed."
From colleague to ambassador
Every career ultimately has a next step. Even when someone leaves Axelio, we find it important that this happens in a good way. That's why we always conduct an exit interview. Not only to say goodbye but especially to learn how we can further improve as an organization. How does Daan hope that former colleagues will look back on their time at Axelio in a few years?
"That they look back on a period in which they have grown both professionally and personally. That they have helped great clients, worked on challenging projects, and been part of an organization where trust, collaboration, and development were central. If someone looks back on their time at Axelio with that feeling, they may no longer be a colleague, but they are certainly an ambassador for our organization. And that may be the greatest compliment you can receive as an employer."