“I started as a temporary worker at the reception, for two months. And now it's been ten years. It has flown by!”
How would you describe your trip in one word?
"Varied. Each phase brought something new. I have held various positions, from reception to contract management and now as ZP-manager. But one thing remained the same: no day has ever been the same. And that's exactly what keeps the work fun and challenging."
How did your adventure at Circle8 begin?
"I came in through my little sister as a temporary receptionist, just a summer job. But soon a position opened up in contract management. Petra, the receptionist at the time, said: 'This really isn't for you, you should do something else.' And that's what I did. After a job interview I was hired into contract management. That was the beginning of my real journey within Circle8."
What is the biggest change you have experienced in ten years?
"The transition to Circle8. From a somewhat older image to a fresh, future-oriented organization. Circle8 feels like a brand you can be proud of. International, professional and contemporary. That renewal was necessary. Despite the growth, we have always remained personal. That balance makes us strong."
What are you most proud of?
"About my own development. Sometimes you forget how far you've come, until someone asks you something and you think, 'Wait, I just know that.' It's nice to notice that colleagues trust your knowledge. I'm proud of that. Growing from the reception desk into a role in which I truly add value gives a lot of satisfaction. And I'm still happy with my current position."
What makes working at Circle8 special for you?
"The variety in the work, but above all the people. The colleagues make the difference. In my current role I really have a connection with the self-employed professionals. I understand their situation and know what they run up against. If I can help them and they show it, then my day is a success. That personal contact is worth its weight in gold to me."
Which moments or colleagues have stuck with you the most?
"Actually too many to name just one. Especially my time in contract management with colleagues like Davine, José, Marlies, Koen and Patrice stands out to me. We've laughed so much. And yes, I'm that colleague who always sings along with my earbuds in. Sometimes to the annoyance of others, but it does show that I feel free here. Free to be myself."
What would you like to pass on to your new colleagues?
"Actively reach out. You're doing it together and need each other. Call one another instead of just emailing. Spend a day shadowing another department. That increases understanding and strengthens collaboration. We now quickly opt for chat or email, but real contact remains the most important. You don't want to still not know exactly what someone does after months."
What do you hope to achieve in the coming years?
"I hope that the role of ZP-manager becomes more visible within Circle8. The team is still small for now, but I see a future in which we truly make an impact. I want to contribute to the further development of our service packages and ensure that we stay at the forefront."
And if we interview you again in ten years?
"Then I hope I can say that there is a fully fledged ZP department. That we have built something beautiful with a team. Who knows, I might then be the director of that department, haha. I keep challenging myself, professionally and personally. So we'll see. But if I'm still working at Circle8 then, it will be in an even stronger and broader role."
"Circle8 is human, open and offers room to grow. That personal, direct contact makes working here so valuable.", says Asmie
