Skipper Danker Koeman on ZekerArbo: "You end up in a paperwork that you never get out of."

When one of the four crew members on an inland vessel drops out, it immediately feels like a blow. That's what skipper Danker Koeman of the Ankisha, part of K&K Scheepvaart, says. His helmsman fell ill and ended up on ziektewet for almost two years. "Staff, that's what you have to work with. That's what you run your business with. So when someone falls ill, it really has an impact."

Then you're doing it wrong. You print it out again. And wrong again.

Enjoy the candid video

Koeman candidly recounts how he ran into a wall of rules and paperwork during the absenteeism process. He laughs about it now, but at the time it was pure frustration:

"You end up in a paperwork that you never get out of by yourself. Then you go and fill out one of those forms ... you do it wrong. You print it out again. You do it wrong one more time. And then you call ZekerArbo. And then they say, 'Hey, wait a minute, I have a coach for that.'"

A relief, because like many SMEs, Koeman has no time at all to get bogged down in forms, rules and deadlines.

The employability coach as a resting point

That coach is John van Eekeren, employability coach at ZekerArbo. He guides employers in all steps around Sickness Absence: from arranging documents on time to answering questions and sparring about difficult situations.

"We are here to ensure that there is not too much hassle," says Van Eekeren.
"Every employer has my phone number. They can call anytime. We take some of the burden off their shoulders by providing good support and guidance. It's not for nothing that we say: ZekerArbo, hassle-free."

ZekerArbo? I would definitely recommend that.

Koeman does not have to think long about his advice to other entrepreneurs:

"I certainly would. ZekerArbo I would recommend."

With a small team, lots of responsibility and 24/7 work on board, support is not a luxury but a necessity. Says Koeman, "You have to be busy with your business, not get lost in forms."

Arbo. hassle-free. sorted in a snap.

ZekerArbo helps SMEs like K&K Scheepvaart with practical, accessible health and safety services. No complicated terms; just a coach who is ready, thinks along and keeps things simple.

Always stay informed?

Our monthly email update is always focused on prevention and promoting work happiness. Sign up for free and never miss another smart health and safety tip.