Colleague of the Month: Sandra
This month we put our colleague Sandra in the spotlight. After 8.5 years at WebwinkelKeur we say goodbye to her this week. In her last week we asked her about her time with us. How did it all start in that attic room in Enschede? What are her fondest memories? And what does she take with her from her time at WebwinkelKeur? Read along and discover Sandra's special story!
A look back at 8.5 years at WebwinkelKeur
When I think back to my beginnings at WebwinkelKeur, I immediately find myself back in that attic room in Enschede. 8.5 years ago I could never have imagined how big WebwinkelKeur would become. Back then there were 4 desks, a small fridge, a jerry can for water, and it was a challenge to lug the clean dishes up three flights of stairs. No toilet on the same floor, so you got your daily dose of exercise naturally. But that space, with its three small windows in an authentic building, had something special. I was the first lady on the team, and from the moment I came in, I hoped to grow with the ambitions of the WebwinkelKeur. When I started, we had about 4,000 members. Now there are almost 10,000, and we are active internationally with both our members and our colleagues. During corona, we experienced tremendous growth as the number of new online stores exploded.
What I am proud of
My first project is still vivid in my mind: streamlining our meetings. In the attic, these were taking far too long and hardly any decisions were being made. With a plate full of ideas, we discussed the possibility of providing training for beginning web shop owners. In the end, it turned out there was no time for that, and that plan was shelved. Even though it didn't go through, I was very proud of this. What makes me really proud is the HR model that was developed. The talent development conversations, growth conversations, and creating opportunities to empower colleagues-that feels like a legacy that I look back on with a good feeling.
A typical workday
Although the team has grown, the culture at WebwinkelKeur has remained the same. That family feeling, that drive to improve together-it's still in our DNA. When I started, I worked 16 hours a week as an administrative assistant. I was mainly concerned with invoices and accounts receivable management, which at the time was much more labor-intensive than now. I quickly noticed how important it was to be attentive to people: sending a card or making a phone call at a special event. As the company grew, my hours were extended, and during the corona period I proved to be a connecting factor. That eventually led to my role in HR. It was with great pleasure that I trained and grew with WebwinkelKeur.
Special moments
A highlight was our work week in Bulgaria in 2021. After months of working from home, it felt great to be physically together again. That week was all about working together, exchanging ideas, and of course having fun. They were moments of connection that I will never forget. What I will miss the most? The people. Who they are, how they are. That family feeling, that's what makes WebwinkelKeur unique to me.
A photo from the early years of WebwinkelKeur
WebwinkelKeur in three words
It became a little more than three words, because how do you describe this in 3 words? Impossible!
- Giving online trust: This is the core of what we do. We make sure webshops appear trustworthy, so that customers can make their purchases with peace of mind. It always gives me pride to see how we contribute to a safer online environment.
- Empowering and developing: At WebwinkelKeur, it's not only about growing the company, but also about the personal development of colleagues. Everyone gets the chance to discover and strengthen their talents. That's something I've always cherished in my time here.
- Just go do it, making mistakes is not a bad thing: This mentality typifies the culture within WebwinkelKeur. Try new things, don't be afraid to fail, and learn from them. This openness has helped us as a team to keep getting better, both individually and collectively.
Halloween at the office
My legacy and favorite traditions
If I can leave anything behind, I hope it's my commitment. I was there for everyone, noticing things, and striking up conversations when needed. I'm sure this is in good hands with my successor Lynn. My favorite tradition remains the communal lunch. Those were the moments when we didn't talk about work for a while, but really got to know each other. It led to cozy milling evenings and unforgettable Christmas and Easter celebrations.
To conclude
If I had to describe WebwinkelKeur in one word, it would be family. A place where you can be yourself, where you grow and help others grow.