BREAKFAST EMPLOYEES

'Thanks to the hospitality industry, I am more relaxed and better balanced'

Text: Martine van der Deijl
Photography: NoPoint studio's
Styling: Van Tilburg Fashion
Make-Up: Joyce Walian Agency

Roland (36) Bar/breakfast employee at Hotel Nuland 's-Hertogenbosch

After my education, I worked in an office for many years. But at a certain point, I felt that I no longer wanted a job behind the computer, but with people. Thanks to the hospitality industry, I am more relaxed and better balanced. According to my friends, hospitality is in my DNA. In my group of friends, I'm often the one who tries to coordinate schedules to plan something fun.

I heard enthusiastic stories about Van der Valk, so I decided to contact Hotel Nuland. There was an immediate click. I've only been working here for a few months, but I already notice that I've really moved from (over)thinking to doing. Exactly what I wanted. The work as a breakfast employee does force me a bit to become a morning person. But since I get up early, I also get more done in a day.

The dynamics of the work I find amazing, it's nicely active, no-nonsense, and as far as I'm concerned, much healthier than an office job. A nice bonus is that I have lost some weight, because I walk and move a lot, making it like a paid gym here. This job brings me much more than just a salary. I want to give people a pleasant experience and create a nice atmosphere.

The art of hospitality is to see guests leave with a smile on their face. Doing that together with colleagues creates a real team spirit. This work keeps me fit and healthy, both in my mind and body. This job has just made my life much more fun.

"If you don't do this work with your heart, people feel that."

‘I was seventeen when I started working in the service at Hotel Volendam, which was still called Motel Katwoude at the time. My idea was to gain some experience in the hospitality industry, but there was such a great working atmosphere that I'm still there now! I have met, in addition to very nice colleagues, my husband Rob there as well. He worked there as a chef, and I liked him immediately, and luckily he felt the same about me. Actually, quite a few "Van der Valk couples" were formed at that time. Love was evidently in the air. Rob and I got married in 1986, and of course, we celebrated our wedding grandly at Hotel Volendam.

Working in hospitality is my true calling. I love taking care of people. If you don't do this work with your heart, people can feel it. It really has to be your passion. I work with many young people and I think it's great, I learn a lot from them. Nowadays, everything is done with phones and computers, and they explain it to me very patiently. Because yes, by now I am kind of the grandmother of the company.

I was always really a night owl, but since I switched to breakfast—27 years ago now—I can tell you that getting up early becomes a habit: I have never overslept. When guests tell me that they think the breakfast buffet looks wonderful, I enjoy it immensely. And I know that getting up early was worth it.'

Ingrid (63) Breakfast staff at Van der Valk Hotel Volendam

'I like to have a chat with someone and it is really appreciated'

Samanta (52) breakfast employee at Van der Valk Hotel Delft-A4

Three years ago, when this hotel was built, I saw a sign saying: "We are looking for colleagues." I took the plunge and applied. Fortunately, I was hired and could soon start as a breakfast attendant. Since the hotel's opening, I've formed a permanent breakfast team with a few other ladies, which has made us very well attuned to each other. We understand each other extremely well and also have a lot of fun together. During work, we sometimes – don't ask me why – imitate a chicken and then we would be in stitches. That's why we call ourselves "The Chickens."

I not only enjoy being with my colleagues, but I also get happy from our guests. I enjoy having a chat with someone, and it's really appreciated. Overall, I find it very fun to work in the hospitality industry; you give people energy, but you also get it back. Just notice: if you smile at someone, that person will also have a smile on their face.

I work three days a week and start at 5:30 AM. I have absolutely no trouble with getting up early. I get out of bed directly awake and cheerful. The night before, I do go to bed on time. At 9:30 PM sharp, I go to bed; otherwise, I can't handle it. On the work floor, I really feel that Van der Valk family feeling. Everyone greets each other and helps each other. Every day I go to work with great pleasure, it's really a party.