How wonderful is it when one of your cleaning teams is nominated for the title of “Cleaning Team of the Year”? And how special is it when, as a copywriter and marketing and communications professional, you get to accompany the team on that journey and they actually win?
A look back at a day filled with pride, fun, and sunshine through the eyes of our Esmar.
From Nomination to Finalist
Just after seven o’clock, I get into the car with my colleague Jeffrey. Together with Nienke, who completed her graduation research at Breedweer in Leeuwarden, we set off for the Frisian capital. The sun has not yet made an appearance, but the temperature is pleasant. And we have our own rays of sunshine with us, so today is bound to be a good day.
A few colleagues from Team Leeuwarden are already waiting for us outside the town hall. A little nervous, but above all very excited. Understandably so. We have been working towards this moment for weeks: from the day we submitted their nomination, to the jury visit, and then the fantastic news that they had become finalists.
Today is the day we finally find out who will be named Cleaning Team of the Year.
The Director as Chauffeur
My phone rings. It is Jack, our director. Today, he is driving the team to the event. The bus is ready, and everyone climbs aboard: Marieke, Sharon, Femke, Hylke, Letense, Zlatalina, and Limona with her five year old son. It is a perfect fit.
A little later, the bus departs from the Oldehoofsterkerkhof with a loud blast of the horn, waved off by Jelle van Netten from Facilities Management. Destination: Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen, where the celebrations will begin later that afternoon.
But first, the team gets the chance to explore the zoo. A smart move by the organisers, turning the day into a genuine outing, even for team members who could not all attend.
Sharon has brought her camera and is determined to photograph the koalas and meerkats. Marieke enthusiastically talks about the brown bears, the subject of her son’s school presentation. And Limona’s young son walks through the zoo holding a panda teddy in one hand and Jack’s hand in the other.
A Walk Through the Zoo
Jeffrey, Nienke, and I could not fit on the bus, so we travelled to Rhenen by car. Along the way, we had to stop to charge the car, which meant the team had already arrived by the time we got there. They were sitting together with Jack at a table, enjoying a chat.
Together, we set off to explore the zoo. It had been years since I last visited a zoo myself. The park is beautiful and modern. Hylke has the map and naturally takes on the role of guide. By now, the sun is shining, and most people have already applied sunscreen, whether on Marieke’s advice or not.
As we walk through the park, I hear Sharon and Marieke talking about how much they appreciate their supervisor, Véronique. According to them, she is the reason the team is so close knit. And it shows in everything they do. It is a diverse group of people, yet they work together effortlessly.
I have written about this team before, so I already knew how special they are. It is no surprise that the jury was touched by the warmth and sense of belonging they radiate.
Tension Builds in the Jungle Restaurant
Tension in the Jungle Restaurant
At a quarter past one, we gather at the Jungle Restaurant. First, a group photo, then inside. Coffee, tea, and pastries are waiting for us. Two tables have been reserved for Team Breedweer.
As soul singer Steffen Morrison performs, the tension begins to build. Then Herman Busch takes the microphone and opens the programme. Short, powerful, and exactly right.
When one of the jury members gives a subtle hint, saying, “The feeling was the deciding factor,” Jeffrey and I exchange a hopeful glance.
That sounds promising.
Drumroll... Cheers: Cleaning Team of the Year!
The Cleaner of the Year award goes to an emotional Jolanda Reedijk from SVP Schoonmaak. A wonderful moment.
Then it is time for the teams. One by one, they are called onto the stage, and then comes the final announcement.
Drumroll…
And the winner is: Team Leeuwarden!
Yes!
We jump to our feet, and high fives fly across the table. On stage, the team is beaming with pride. They receive the travelling trophy, which will still be engraved, a team dinner sponsored by Schoonmakend Nederland, and a training voucher from SVS.
Absolutely fantastic!
Pride, Warmth, and French Fries
After the photos, it is time for snacks and drinks. Much needed, whether because of the heat or the excitement. It is wonderful to see several members of the jury personally come over to congratulate the team. Warmly and sincerely.
When I speak with them later, they once again emphasise how impressed they are, not only by the team itself but also by their supervisor, Véronique, whose warmth has helped create something truly special.
With bags full of gifts from the sponsors, we make our way back to the car park. Jack drives the winners back to Leeuwarden, while we head towards Heerhugowaard.
What an incredible day. A Cleaner’s Day with a golden edge. Or perhaps we should say: a golden crown?
