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HR Event 2026 Explores Happiness at Work and Employee Experience

https://www.wittenborg.eu/hr-event-2026-explores-happiness-work-and-employee-experience.htm

Insights from HR Event 2026 Highlight the Growing Focus on Workplace Wellbeing

Wittenborg’s Human Resources (HR) team recently attended the annual HR event organised by Visser & Visser and BVD Advocaten at the Van der Valk Hotel in Apeldoorn, which brought together over 100 participants from companies, organisations and self-employed entrepreneurs across the Netherlands to explore the latest trends in human resources.

Maike Zürcher, HR Manager at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, described the event as “an inspiring morning with plenty of food for thought: from AI in HR to employee motivation, labour law updates and employee experience. I am looking forward to reflecting on the insights and using them in our work in the HR department.”

The overarching theme of the event was Happiness at Work, providing essential knowledge and practical insights into creating a positive workplace. The keynote speech was delivered by Heleen Mes, founder of HXR (Human Experience of Work) and co-author of Employee Experience – Happy people, better business. She emphasised that employee happiness is not simply about keeping up with trends such as digitalisation or AI, but about understanding employees, showing empathy and, crucially, expressing appreciation. “Even a small ‘thank you’ can make a big difference,” noted Anastasija Marusova, HR Administrator at Wittenborg, who attended the event alongside Maike.

Attendees then took part in workshops on The AI Trend from an HR Perspective and Current Developments in Dutch Labour Law. The sessions offered insight into both the opportunities and challenges for HR professionals. “The labour law workshop was particularly critical,” said Anastasija. “With changes anticipated under the new Dutch cabinet, we gained valuable knowledge about adjustments in pensions, retirement age, competition clauses, freelancer regulations and contracts. Some of these points are directly applicable to Wittenborg, and it is always beneficial to stay informed about current and prospective developments.”

The event concluded with a networking lunch, providing further opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas. Anastasija reflected, “This was my first HR event in my career and the first opportunity to represent Wittenborg. It was a great chance for self-development, to keep up with the Dutch HR scene, and to learn what other organisations are doing. The event sparked ideas and renewed our willingness to enhance our colleagues’ happiness at work.”

WUP 01/04/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

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#SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
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