Claudia Pastor has been working at Corporate Express since July 2005. She is an assistant to the Vice President Merchandising and CIO. People describe her as someone who contributes “life and soul”. She is pleasantly surprised by this description. “It is not that I do the conga in the hallway every day, but a good atmosphere is important in order to work well. This is obviously a serious workplace and people work hard here. However, there must also be room for a little extra attention on someone’s birthday, or for instance if someone has just become a father or mother.”

In the past, Claudia worked in the catering sector. “That line of business bubbles a bit more, but I was ready for somewhat more serious. I fell into a process in which we went to a more centralized organization. We have only been on the move since. I think change and dynamism are a big plus.”

“Because we are a BtB company, and not, for example, a high street retailer, people around me at home or friends have never heard of Corporate Express even though it is a large international company. In addition, becoming one single company really requires time. Our personnel committee here in Amsterdam organizes several events a year: a cooking workshop, an exhibition or a visit to the theatre. We should participate more in such internal gatherings, so that people get to know each other better and start cooperating more closely.”