We are the first occupational health and safety provider (ARBO) in The Netherlands to sail at Pride. By participating in the canal parade, we hope to overcome stigmas and show that ARBO is for everyone. 

Approximately 10 million people work in The Netherlands. That’s more than half of the national population. It is important that employees throughout the country can continue to work in healthy and sustainable work environments. Employers that guarantee these conditions for their employees also ensure that their company is healthy, and successful. Every day, occupational physicians, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, case managers, office assistants, as well as labour and safety and other experts work to keep The Netherlands healthy, and working together. 

Work absenteeism and disability are regrettable and common issues that LGBTQIA+ employees deal with regularly. Unfortunately, employees still feel uncomfortable coming out at work, or worse, that it is unsafe to do so. We are a national organisation that celebrates and actively promotes diversity. Every day we work to ensure that employees and employers throughout the country are as healthy as possible, both mentally and physically, not only in consultation rooms, but also at the organisational level, by advising employers on health and diversity policy. 

The Occupational Health and Safety Centre brings together a wide variety of resources and medical expertises, including ARBO and reintegration services, and a recognised mental health treatment center. This enables us to help people quickly, and ensure that they receive everything they need, including recognition of what makes them unique. We believe this is to everyone’s benefit, not only our patients. 

It is high time that the LGBTQIA+ community in The Netherlands know that we are here for them, no matter the workplace challenges they face. Because we all deserve a pleasant place to work where we can be ourselves.

Our message is crystal clear: there’s room for everyone aboard the ship of working Netherlands! Whether you’re a cleaner, a car mechanic, or medical personnel – LET’S WORK TOGETHER; together, we’ll get the job done. Just like links in a chain, we need each other to turn smoothly. That’s exactly what we embody: TOGETHER, we create a well-oiled workplace where everyone is welcome. Because only together can we keep the Netherlands running and working.