Redefining International Recruitment
Interview with Jasper Molendijk, Managing Director and shareholder
In many industries across Europe, companies are struggling to find enough qualified and reliable workers. Seasonal peaks, demographic change and increasing demand for flexibility have intensified the competition for labour – especially in logistics, production and horticulture. People21 Services B.V., headquartered in Schiedam in the Netherlands, positions itself as more than a traditional staffing agency. Besides recruitment and temporary employment, the company also provides housing, onboarding, compliance management and support for international employees. Managing Director and shareholder Jasper Molendijk explains the company’s full-service approach.
International labour mobility has become essential for many sectors of industry. While labour migration and temporary employment are often viewed critically, People21 Services B.V. aims to distinguish itself through a broader service approach that extends beyond traditional staffing. “We are far more than a traditional staffing agency,” says Jasper Molendijk. “We do not simply provide extra hands but offer a complete concept in which we fully support our customers and employees.” Founded around 30 years ago as staffing firm Stipt in Schiedam, the business originally focused on placing migrant workers in the Rotterdam area. Since joining the Belgian Heylen Group in 2019, People21 has expanded significantly through acquisitions and organic growth.
International recruitment
Today, the company employs around 3,000 temporary workers, with approximately 2,600 employees housed through the organization itself. Recruitment mainly takes place in Eastern and Southern Europe through local offices and established regional networks. “We actively recruit in different countries through our own teams,” Mr. Molendijk explains. “Every market works differently. In some regions, family networks are important, while in others digital campaigns and online platforms play a bigger role.” The company’s clients are mainly based in the Netherlands and Belgium. Key industries include horticulture, logistics, production and transport – sectors where labour shortages have become a structural challenge.
Full-service partner
One of the company’s key differentiators is its broad service approach, which extends well beyond traditional recruitment. “We completely relieve our customers in all labour-related matters,” says the managing director. “That includes recruitment, onboar-ding and all legal and regulatory questions.” The company also supports employees beyond the workplace. Housing, transport and daily assistance are part of the overall concept. According to the company website, accommodations comply with recognized standards and are designed to provide a stable living environment for international workers.
Long-term relationships
Although seasonal labour remains an important part of the business, People21 also focuses strongly on long-term assignments. “There are employees who have worked with the same client for 15 years,” Mr. Molendijk says. “At the same time, we can also provide large numbers of seasonal workers during peak periods.” This continuity benefits both customers and employees. Clients receive reliable staffing solutions, while workers gain stability and professional support. In many cases, customers later decide to hire employees permanently.
Driving Digitalization
Technology and automation play an important role in the company’s development strategy. People21 invests actively in digitalization and process innovation, including artificial intelligence applications. “We are an innovative and forward-looking company,” Mr. Molendijk explains. “A significant part of our R&D investments goes into automation and innovation.” AI-supported processes help improve the matching between candidates and employers. According to the managing director, recruitment success rates have increased significantly through faster analysis of supply and demand. Digital tools are also used for reporting, operational coordination and recruitment planning.
Building Trust
The labour migration sector often faces public criticism and political debate. Mr. Molendijk sees responsible business practices as essential for long-term success. “Our industry does not always have the best reputation,” he says. “I want to show that it can be done the right way.” This ambition is reflected in the company’s focus on compliance, certified housing standards and sustainable development. People21 is currently preparing for B Corp certification as part of its broader ESG ambitions. Internally, the company describes itself as entrepreneurial and performance-driven, while also emphasizing teamwork and a positive working culture.
Expansion Ahead
Growth remains firmly on the agenda. In recent years, People21 completed several acquisitions and intends to continue expanding its market presence in the Netherlands and beyond. “We are actively looking to add more organizations,” says Mr. Molendijk. “Our ambition for the coming five years is to become one of the leading companies for international employees in the Netherlands.” At the same time, growth is not only about scale for the managing director, but also about improving standards within the industry. “We try to give our employees a better life and show that international recruitment can be done responsibly,” he says. “That is what drives me every day.”