Joost Clement
HR advisor – University Services Centre
Joost Clement works as an HR advisor for ArtEZ's Master courses and the Academy of Art & Design Zwolle. He lives in Den Velde, in the municipality of Hardenberg, and commutes to both Zwolle and Arnhem. How does he like it? Below, Joost shares his take.
Flexibility, freedom and respectful challenges
I have never worked for an organisation before where scheduling how, where and when you work comes so naturally. This place offers tremendous flexibility to its employees. That was a major plus for me when I decided to join ArtEZ as an HR advisor. As a freelancer in the months before starting this position, I had already experienced how much fun it is to work for an educational institution. I feel that I can really contribute something of value here, and I enjoy the open, creative atmosphere. Everyone is respectful to each other, but we also challenge each other, creating a nice combination.
Logistical flexibility
When I started working at ArtEZ, I knew I didn't want to work three days onsite. As a teacher, of course you have to be in class in person, but as a member of the support staff, you have more freedom in that respect. I can schedule my travel time from home and attendance at the various locations logistically. The Zwolle location is a 45-minute drive for me, and Arnhem is two hours away, which is quite a stretch. Now, I usually work two days onsite and one day at home. As ArtEZ has managed working from home so well, you have a lot of freedom and flexibility as an employee. This flexibility also helped me be more flexible when I have an appointment on a day when I am actually off, soit works both ways.
'At ArtEZ, we focus on what you can already do.'
Leeway for different ways of working
In addition to a lot of flexibility and space on the practical side of things, I also find there is a lot of room to shape my own work. Nobody here says, 'This is how we do it, so you have to do things the same way". That wouldn't work with me anyhow! ArtEZ embraces the added value of the different ways of working that people bring to the table. Even if you are not skilled at something, it is safe to mention that. Then you and your colleagues will find a solution together, such as seeing if someone else could take on the task. Within ArtEZ, you can also take courses in the skills you want to improve, but you are not required to do so. We focus on the things you can already do.
'As an organisation, ArtEZ has managed working from home very well.'
HR advisor at work
As an HR advisor, I deal with all topics related to personnel and working conditions, which I do for the Academy of Art & Design Zwolle and the Master courses. Sometimes I advise on sick leave, other times on new staff recruitment, a labour dispute or the ever-present question of how to utilise your team more effectively. For example, this morning I spoke to the head of a course and an employee about that employee’s upcoming retirement. This afternoon, I will look into a better use of our recruitment system. Later, I will have a meeting discussing our new employer branding strategy and another meeting with a director about how to plan for the future in terms of personnel. The days are always varied, in other words, which keeps it interesting for me for sure.
Experiencing classes as an HR advisor
The largest group of staff in ArtEZ consists, of course, of our lecturers, inspiring people who really involve you in what they do. For example, I attended a class the other day. In my HR position, I operate at a very “high level”, but I also want to know how the classes and school involvement with its students are. During the class I attended, the students gave presentations, and I was allowed to sit on the jury. That was good fun! What I saw is what I feel at ArtEZ already, namely that everyone can be themselves here. You can see evidence of that in how everyone dresses in their own unique way here.
‘At ArtEZ, I feel that everyone can be themselves.'
Leisure and progress
When I'm not at work, I like to do odd jobs and be outdoors. In my spare time, I make things out of wood. I enjoy the combination of working for ArtEZ and the freedom to pursue my own interests. Several colleagues of mine at ArtEZ work part-time and have their own side business as an artist. People who have one foot in the work field are in demand as staff at ArtEZ, and I like that very much. After all, they know best what they are talking about. People from outside the educational field – from the business world, for example – bring a different vision and approach, which also ensures progress.
Will you join us?
Can you identify yourself with the art education as valued by ArtEZ? If so, come and join our teams of support staff, academic staff or researchers.
Please find our current vacancies on this page.
