'Responding quickly to changing needs in Food & Beverage'

Ibis Styles Arnhem Centre, a 145-room hotel located in the heart of the city, has found a new partner to increase the flexibility of their workforce. General Manager Jurre van Kruijsbergen shares his experiences of using YoungOnes, a platform that connects freelancers with companies in need of temporary workers. By using YoungOnes' freelancing platform, Ibis Styles Arnhem Centre has not only found an answer to their challenges during busy times, but also a way to keep the workplace dynamic and motivated.

When Van Kruijsbergen returned to Ibis Styles Arnhem Centre in March 2023 in a new role as General Manager, he found that the hotel faced significant challenges in terms of staff scheduling. "Especially in our Food & Beverage department, where peak periods are difficult to predict, it was difficult to meet demand with permanent staff," Van Kruijsbergen explains. This often led to situations where there were either too many people available during quiet periods, or too few during busy times.

This unpredictability made it necessary for management to think about flexible solutions. Previously, occasional use was made of self-employed workers, but this did not always prove sufficient to cope with the pressure, especially as these workers often already had other commitments.

Van Kruijsbergen already knew YoungOnes from a previous position and saw in the platform a potentially powerful solution to the challenges the hotel was facing. The choice of YoungOnes was quickly made because of its flexibility and the platform's specific focus on freelancers with hospitality experience. Other platforms were considered, but YoungOnes' extensive network in the hospitality sector was the deciding factor.

The freelancers deployed through YoungOnes play a crucial role in various departments of the hotel. Van Kruijsbergen deploys these temporary workers mainly for breakfast, the bar and occasionally as rinse workers. "We have a number of freelancers who return regularly," Van Kruijsbergen says. A template has also been developed for event staff, with a view to the future when the hotel might make more use of the roof terrace and other event spaces for larger groups.

Since working with YoungOnes, it has become much easier for Ibis Styles Arnhem Centre to respond quickly to changing busy periods. "The biggest advantage is the flexibility," says Van Kruijsbergen. "When we post a shift, we know we will get responses from suitable freelancers within two to three hours."

Van Kruijsbergen also praises the fresh energy brought by temporary workers, which has a positive impact on permanent staff. "It is sometimes refreshing to see new faces and experience new ways of working," he says. He says this also has a motivating effect on existing staff.

Another key advantage is the efficiency of the platform. Posting services takes little time and is very user-friendly. Van Kruijsbergen can even manage this process from his phone, which allows him to respond quickly to the hotel's needs.

For Ibis Styles Arnhem Centre, working with YoungOnes has proven to be an effective way to increase flexibility and efficiency in their human resources management. The ability to respond quickly and appropriately to changing needs, combined with the fresh energy brought in by freelancers, makes YoungOnes a valuable partner for the hotel. Van Kruijsbergen is convinced of the added value the platform offers and looks forward to the further opportunities the cooperation can bring.