Monique Zaandam
Payroll specialist
In my position as a payroll specialist, I mainly deal with complex changes to the payroll system. I check whether certain calculations are correct and whether payment orders are carried out correctly.
I came across this job and took the opportunity. For me, it’s no longer just about how much I earn and what my employee benefits are. Don't get me wrong, because both the salary and the benefits are very good here. But Deltares’ social mission is also very important to me. I also love the passion that I see in the people here. Their drive is an enormous inspiration. It’s important that things are easily accessible. People are approachable and get on well with each other. I ask myself: ‘do I feel comfortable with these people?’. To that I can say a resounding yes.
Personal encounter
I like to walk up to people; if it's convenient and someone is in the office, I really like discussing things in person. I can also put it in an email so it’s there in black and white, but it’s great to have a conversation. I can see how they react to something I say. Then the meeting isn’t just about work, but also about how someone is doing.
Working here, I know that there are things happening that are worrisome. Yet I also know that there are opportunities to fix or improve things. Many projects here run over the course of several years. Some things won't be solved tomorrow, so we need to be in for the long haul. That’s important not only for ourselves, but especially for our children and grandchildren. I feel a sense of urgency and at the same time I’m confident and hopeful.
Suriname
I was born in Suriname and my father often talks about how things aren’t always well-regulated there. My father was always interested in water. He told me about floods, but also about projects there where water is used to generate energy. He would worry that problems weren't always addressed and used to regularly say: ‘they're not doing anything with nature or with water.’
Sometimes I read about Deltares’ projects in Suriname on our intranet. That that always catches my eye just a little bit more. I read all about it and tell my father. This reassures him. Normally I wouldn't know about these things, but because I work here, I do.