The Achmea Foundation (Netherlands) was established in 2006, with a focus on empowering vulnerable communities. It primarily concentrates on sub-Saharan Africa and aligns its projects with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health, sustainable cities, climate action, zero hunger, and decent work. The Foundation operates as a separate entity but is fully funded by Achmea, and is led by both Achmea colleagues and external experts, ensuring independent decision-making on project funding and programme development. Its budget, constituting 0.5% of Achmea’s annual profit, varies depending on the company’s financial performance. The Foundation’s work centres around enhancing the socioeconomic status of marginalised populations, demonstrating a strong commitment to global development goals and impactful change.

The Achmea Foundation has four programmes focusing on both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Netherlands:

• “Impact Plus” supports social enterprises in their organisational development, providing tailored development programmes and access to Achmea’s network of experts.
• “Achmea for Each Other” encourages volunteer work among employees, promoting financial literacy among young people and engaging in social team-building activities. The Foundation also facilitates crowdfunding initiatives for employees to contribute to various causes.
• The “Impact Fund,” operated in Sub-Saharan Africa, supports projects related to healthcare and agriculture. These projects involve innovative solutions like water-powered pumps for farming.
• The “Expert Volunteer Assignments” programme takes place remotely, aiming to share knowledge and assist organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as partner organisations in the Netherlands.

Achmea Foundation gets assignments through its own network and brokers, and also through partnership with the ICMIF Foundation, which provides assignments in several countries around the world. In these programmes, employees engage in international assignments to share knowledge and provide technical assistance to the receiving organisations. These assignments involve immersing oneself in different cultures, requiring adaptability and flexibility.

Candidates are selected based on diverse experiences, not limited to their work backgrounds. Assignments can be on-site, remote, or a combination, ranging from two weeks to a few months. The costs, approximately €3,000, cover flights, accommodation, and meals, partly shared by the employee and the company. Participants attend a workshop on intercultural awareness before departure and set learning goals, emphasising personal and professional development. The assignments extend to various countries, predominantly focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa. These assignments offer unique, life-changing experiences and personal growth for employees and highlight the organisation’s commitment to global development.

These programmes present an opportunity for Achmea’s 14,000 employees to engage in international assignments. Although these assignments were originally geared toward management positions, efforts have been made to offer them to a broader audience, aiming to make them accessible to as many employees as possible. Participants work independently, requiring individuals who can make decisions and work autonomously. The assignments, serving as a development intervention, are viewed as a unique selling point for Achmea in the labour market.

Employees reported a deep sense of connection and engagement, often continuing to support the organisations they worked with even after their assignments ended. The programme not only enriches work experiences but also provides a lifetime opportunity to work in unfamiliar cultural contexts, encouraging individuals to stretch their skills and adaptability.

This presentation was delivered during the monthly ICMIF Member-to-Member Discussions for HR Directors. Please contact Mike Ashurst, Vice-President of Reinsurance and Professional Development, to find out more about the HR discussions.