Frans Zuidam, a labor market communications advisor for the municipality of Lingewaard in Gelderland, can’t stop raving about the National Workplace Visit Day organized by the JobOn Foundation. He considers it a wonderful initiative that, in his view, delivers demonstrable results that many companies can only dream of. In his own words, he explains why many more employers and job seekers should join this networking initiative.
by Thomas Braun
A brilliant idea
“Sometimes the solution to a problem is right at our fingertips. Or to put it less dramatically: sometimes a brilliant idea is conceived that makes everyone say, “Gee, why didn’t I think of that myself?” An example of such a “Columbus’s egg”—that is, a creative idea that seems so simple but actually sets a lot in motion—is the Workplace Visit Day. I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage both employers and job seekers to participate onNovember 19.
Looking for motivated people
How did we come across this networking initiative? At Lingewaard, we’re always looking to build connections and engage with ambitious, motivated people. That’s why the municipality once held a large Open House, which drew a remarkably large crowd. One day, about two years ago, a colleague learned about the JobOn and UWV Work Visit Day, and he thought it would be a good idea for us to participate in the so-called “one-on-one coffee meetings” scheduled for that day in November. We got together with a small group to brainstorm and started thinking on a larger scale. At one point, the idea was suggested to organize something that wasn’t as big as the Open House and was more specifically focused on networking, but still larger than the aforementioned coffee breaks. And so we decided to organize a networking event on the Job Visit Day.
Collaboration with Impact
We started by putting together a small group to keep the initiative on track. Who did we need to organize a networking event? First, someone from the facilities department to secure a good venue and arrange the catering. Then someone from HR, since they know which positions are open and what kind of people we’re looking for. Next, someone from communications to clearly communicate the event to the outside world—and that was me. And we brought in a recruiter, who, of course, couldn’t be left out of a networking event. And with this team, we got to work.
Browsing & Linking
We knew right away: this wasn’t going to be an online event. We literally opened our doors because we love seeing people’s faces. We wanted it to have an informal vibe, where people could really get to know each other. The first time we did this, a year and a half ago, 70 people showed up. That was a great turnout, but a year later, there were even 105. The crowd just kept coming; word of the event spread, and it was such a cool experience to be a part of. We called the gathering Loeren & Linken. The municipality’s open house was called Loeren bij Lingewaard , but since this was really all about networking, we added “Linken” to the name.
More Than Just Job Openings
It was a huge success. During the first meeting as part of the Work Visit Day, three people were actually hired as full-time employees. And two young people managed to secure an internship. Following the second event, the municipality hired four people, and one of them secured a work experience placement. That was also so wonderful: this woman simply asked very openly whether it was possible to reintegrate into the workforce at the municipality. We didn’t actually have that option at the time, but through this connection, you start looking into possibilities you hadn’t even thought of yourself. And then, through that connection, you start exploring together what you can do for one another. That’s how she found her work experience placement; she’s now reintegrating into the workforce and gaining experience. Other people have applied for job openings, and here’s what we’ve noticed: those people make connections with our colleagues, and you can see those connections reflected on LinkedIn. Even if they didn’t get the job, you can see that those connections are very warm and that everyone is connecting with one another in a wonderful way.
An invitation to employers and job seekers
I would recommend that every employer sign up for the upcoming event in November. It’s an accessible way to build valuable connections with motivated people. It might not yield immediate results, but it could pay off later, when job openings become available again. And you’ll also be helping job seekers take a step toward a job—you’re making a difference! And to job seekers, I’d like to say: sign up! It’s the best way to find out what a company or organization actually does, what opportunities are available, and whether it’s a good fit for you. The insights you gain on a day like this can really make a difference. We’re also hosting a networking day in March titled Loeren & Linken. Because this way of networking really works.”
About National Work Visit Day
National Job Fair Day, on November 19, 2025, is the day when job seekers and employers across the Netherlands come together! Hundreds of employers will open their doors to speak with interested candidates during a no-obligation (online) networking session. Meet talented people!