Dear colleagues,
Welcome back! I hope that each of you had a restorative break this summer and enjoyed special time with friends and family. With another summer drawing to a close and before it all kicks off again, let’s look back at where we have been these last couple of months and where we are heading.
It’s been a summer of successful achievements, with major projects being delivered such as the hospital in Melun, the college building in Utrecht, the bridge in Nijkerke, the LNG terminal in Bahrain, etc.
The last couple of months also saw important milestones being reached like the factory acceptance of the gigantic boring machines that will be used for the Dubai deep tunnel, the first lock doors – also terribly impressing – being placed at Beatrix Lock, the inauguration of the marina in Lustica Bay, etc.
We have during this period also executed important decisions like the sale of our parking activities, and the launch of new ventures such as with Proximus wrt. Smart Building or with Shurooq in Sharjah wrt. wastewater.
I’m thrilled to see that new business is also steadily pouring in: we recently won several bids, like the dam in Cameroon or the wastewater treatment plant in Ivory Coast; and there is potentially very good news in the pipeline in Belgium, The Netherlands, Dubai and different other countries.
Financially speaking, the half-year results are encouraging, although below expectations. We are not as strong as last year at the same time, being adversely impacted by operational losses in one entity, and by important provisions in one project. More than ever I call upon you to keep on reflecting on our ways to do things and on how to do them more effectively (doing the right things) and more efficiently (doing things right)!
This summer was unfortunately also tainted by unsettling news from the Middle East. A bus transporting numerous colleagues had a dramatic road accident in Abu Dhabi, resulting in tragic loss of lives. In Qatar, a colleague lost his life while working at height. Hence I welcome with all my heart the upcoming BE SAFE program that stresses the adoption of risk-free behaviors on construction sites. As committed in the Safety Pledge, we must all unconditionally apply the Life Saving Rules. Every worker must come home safe every day. There is no half way in this matter.
Lastly, let me give you a glimpse of the results of the engagement survey. I want to thank you all for your participation. Overall since 2012 we have a growing number of colleagues, up to 85%, that indicate they are highly committed to the company and their job. More than 60% indicate that you actively promote us as attractive employer. I can’t but feel passionate by these numbers. But of course you clearly state we still have work to do, especially on our well-being at work and working conditions. As being a Great Place to Work is a strategic driver for us, all these results will serve as a basis for setting priorities and identify action to promote or correct. Don’t hesitate to participate in quick-wins workshops once the results get cascaded in your entity.
85% of colleagues indicate they are highly committed to the company and their job
In closing, please let me reaffirm what I regularly say - that I know each of you makes a difference. Most customers will never know how hard you and your colleagues are working to make their project a reality. But they will appreciate the depth of your expertise from the moment they put their feet on the bridge, plant, apartment, tower… you are working on.
Whenever I meet clients, I hear the same story: clients love our realizations, which means they love the work you do. Let me hence thank all of you for all that you do to make BESIX such a thriving family.
I very much look forward to the rich and rewarding semester ahead.
Rik