Practice makes perfect

[Transnational networks work when there are people behind them who communicate openly, pursue common goals and respect each other. With this look behind the scenes, we introduce you to employees within the European Food Network who, with their know-how and enthusiasm for the job, ensure that your food products are available across Europe every day.]

In this article, Jasko Etemovic, Customer Services employee at Bakker Logistiek in Zeewolde, the Netherlands, tells us what sport his job resembles and how he contributes to full supermarket shelves in times of supply shortages.

When I think about it, my hobby "futsal" - a particularly fast form of indoor football originating in Uruguay - is quite similar to my work in the logistics industry. In both areas, I have to master the challenges or the game quickly and skilfully as a team with my colleagues. In addition, I can test my individual skills and - as my coach once said so well: "The game is the best teacher." This also applies to my work as a customer service employee: it's only by carrying out the activities that I get to know the finer points of the job and can thus become better and better. Moreover, I am more successful in both areas if I don't take myself so seriously and approach the task with fun and commitment - then I can even enjoy the challenges.

And there is another thing my hobby has in common with my job: the dynamics. This is what makes my job so special for me, because every day is different and therefore there is no description of a typical working day. What I like most about my job is that Bakker Logistiek makes an important contribution to food availability. Especially in times of supply shortages, we make a noticeable difference. Bakker Logistiek is always on the move - that makes us a valuable link in the market and for many consumers, which I think is great.

I came to my job through my best friend, who also works at Bakker Logistiek, and I really enjoy working here. Above all, in my job you have to be stress-resistant, take responsibility and be a friend of good communication. I have all these skills and I get the recognition I deserve. We offer a wide range of opportunities for further training and promotion: I started in the "Inbound Logistics" department in the warehouse. Due to my good work there, I was soon able to continue as an employee in the Warehouse Management, also called Cockpit Employee at our company. I liked it there very much and was able to work as an Order Clerk directly afterwards. One step further, I arrived in my current position as a Customer Service employee.

In my current position, the main challenge is to fulfil the orders in the best possible way to make the customer happy. This work gives me a lot of pleasure and I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world. To a large extent, this is also due to my great colleagues: We all get along very well here and meet for lunch in the canteen whenever possible.

In my free time, I like to relax with futsal and work out every Thursday at training and do my best for the team. But most of the time I like to spend with my wife and child. I also often meet up with good friends and really enjoy these breaks from the daily work routine, because a good work-life balance is important to be able to give everything at work.

I hope that I have been able to give you a little insight into my daily work and that you have enjoyed reading this. For those who are new to futsal, I can only recommend watching a match. The games are even more exciting than those in normal football. Especially because of the very fast short passing game, watching becomes a real pleasure. The next Futsal World Cup will take place in 2024 - a good opportunity to watch a few matches until then and become a fan.

Your Jasko Etemovic