Best place to work
DAF is committed to creating and enhancing an open and inclusive environment, where people feel at home. The company wants each member of its diverse, international workforce to reach their full potential, take pride in working for DAF, and know that they are appreciated.
Proud and engaged employees
The company’s positive approach is a formula for success. Employees are proud to be part of an enterprise producing high quality products, and there is a strong sense of belonging in the teams. “My direct supervisor treats me with respect” was the highest scoring statement in the 2023 Employee Survey. Employee attrition is low, with many people recognized for long service with DAF. In 2023, no fewer than 123 colleagues celebrated 25 years of service, nine reached 40 years and two marked 50 years.
Open and inclusive culture
Focus of DAF’s diversity efforts—since 2023 under the umbrella of the “Open and Inclusive Culture” program—is on raising awareness and building skills around appreciation, giving and receiving feedback, social safety, respect and similar topics.
The company’s Diversity Council, run by staff volunteers, acts as an ambassador for diversity and inclusion, through publications, events and training. The “Warm Welcome International” program helps DAF’s many international employees to settle into a new environment, while the “PACCAR Women’s Association” (PWA) supports women’s career development and networking.
DAF Board and executive members are selected on the basis of their wide-ranging experience, business and industry backgrounds, skills, knowledge and valuable insights.
Ade Egbedokun
Teamlead Engine Factory
“In my role as a team leader, I believe it's important to involve everyone and let everyone give their opinion about an issue. For me that's the power of inclusion and diversity, because a different perspective can provide the right solution.”
Alona Boitsova
Business Analyst
“We already live and work surrounded by diversity, but it’s not enough just to tolerate it, it requires commitment, a commitment to develop a culture of inclusion. It's a choice we make every day.”
Jos Smetsers
Executive Director PACCAR Purchasing
“Teams with a great diversity in background, nationalities and experience are vital to our current success and ready to take future opportunities and challenges.”
Martine Peeten
Sales Performance Analyst
“In an inclusive work environment, everyone can play an active role in the team to the best of their ability. It creates a sense of belonging and leads to better decision making.”
Mustafa Ucal
Marketing Manager
“I am a member of the Diversity Council because I believe it is important that everyone at DAF feels at home and that everyone can be who they are.”
Promoting well-being
DAF takes a pro-active approach to creating a healthy work environment. The company has implemented strict, new ergonomic guidelines to reduce physical strain. Workstations and tasks are assessed for ergonomic risks using tools like the Automotive Assembly Worksheet. The company’s engineers are trained to make continuous improvements.
If necessary, programs are available to reduce stress and workload. These include training sessions and support from social workers, psychologists and company doctors, as well as preventive initiatives to address sources of work stress. Managers are trained to recognize and respond to stress signals. The company also provides support for personal issues like financial management and health problems, recognizing that these contribute to overall well-being. Where possible DAF supports employees in making their lifestyle healthier by providing a lifestyle coach, offering a bicycle plan and supporting programs to stop smoking and drinking.
Health and safety
Safety at work is a high priority. DAF has an ISO45001 certified Health & Safety Management System in place and has adopted the United States’ Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for recording accidents and sick leave. With these data, the company can compare safety performance across its plants regardless of their size or headcount. Incidents can then be investigated, and structural improvements made.
All the preventive activities, like safety observation rounds, reporting unsafe situations and safety training, support the DAF organization in continuously improving its Health & Safety performance. Next to creating a safe working environment, a crucial aspect is addressing safe culture and behavior.
Through communication and training, DAF’s “I make a difference” program teaches employees to work safely. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by the steady decline in injury rates achieved over the past 15 years - a more than four-fold decrease in OSHA score from 6,6 in 2005 to 1,6 in 2023. At an individual level, the company ensures that employees receive proper treatment after injury or illness and that their work conditions are adjusted for a healthy return.
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