Opti-flor company guide april 2024 - English

VERSION MAY 2024

OPTI-FLOR AND YOU

AS A BUSINESS, YOU NEVER DO THINGS WITHOUT A REASON. YOU DO WHAT YOU DO, BECAUSE OF SOME CONVICTION. SOME AMBITION. BECAUSE YOU WANT TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE REST.

That’s what makes us Opti-flor. Because we are convinced that so much more is possible with orchids. Because we have the ambition to become Europe's number one consumer brand, with the widest and most distinctive range. This allows consumers to enjoy the most special orchids, at home or at work. So that we can make life and the joy of giving more beautiful. We embarked on our course years ago. But past successes are no guarantee for the future. The market in which we operate - floriculture -

is undergoing major changes. That is why we regularly adjust our course. Yet we always remain keenly focused on that one particular dot on the horizon which we have set as our destination: Creating the difference.

As long as everyone is aware of what that destination is, one thing is assured. Namely, that we never do something without a reason at Opti-flor. That’s why we have created this company guide. It’s for you.

A CONSUMER NEVER JUST BUYS AN ORCHID

We put all our passion and pride into the cultivation of orchids. And yet: a consumer never simply buys an orchid, but acquires something else. An experience. Beauty. Something unique. An expression of emotion, perhaps even of love. That’s the most important thing we learned, travelling this path. To listen to the consumer. To understand his or her life world. To feel what drives or touches the consumer.

That’s how we’ve developed our collections, one after the other. Seven in total, so far. Each collection has its own character, and all are recognisably different. Different on account of the new breeds, the striking colours or unusual flower shapes. That’s what we mean by ‘Creating the difference’.

We create difference through a wide-ranging assortment to serve many different consumers. And we create differences in terms of breeds, in order to continue offering the consumer surprising choices. Consumer-oriented breeding practices are perhaps the hardest thing to do. We might have up to 1500 different breeds in our greenhouses at location Roots, waiting to embark on a successful career. But how many of those 1500 will actually make it? Perhaps two or three per year. That’s the kind of talent new breeds need to possess in order to make it at Opti-flor.

BEING AND REMAINING A FAMILY BUSINESS

Opti-flor has been a family business from the very start. And it started around one hundred years ago. The third generation, René and Marco Hendriks, first grew tomatoes like their fathers did, but soon enough switched to

Phalaenopsis. Much has changed since the company’s establishment – but not the mentality and culture of a family business. And these characteristics must never change, for it is mainly due to our character as a family business that we have got as far as we have.

As a family company, we also cherish our employees. We create the conditions to help people flourish as well. We are quick to delegate responsibility to colleagues who indicate an ability to grow further. We treat each other with respect, yet interact in a casual manner, without differentiation based on positions.

The goal is for Opti-flor to always remain a family business, preferably by passing it on to a fourth generation. But in any case by never letting go of that mentality and culture.

This guide tells you more about Opti-flor. But the story is far from over, with new chapters being written every day. Chapters using different words, but always conveying the same message:

At Opti-flor, you have ample opportunity to do so. How will you make the difference?

Use the QR-code to view the video (English spoken) about Opti-flor’s business strategy.

OUR MASTS

We have masts, and everything we do is tested against these masts.

1

It’s all about the consumer

Everything we do, we ultimately do for the consumer. That’s why we want to be the orchid breeder with the most consumer-oriented assortment.

2

Innovating beyond just the product

We not only develop new breeds. We also seek to constantly improve the production process, the packaging, the logistics, the marketing, the collaboration in the chain – in short, everything.

3

To be a brand in all we do

Opti-flor mainly makes a difference in floriculture by always thinking and acting as a brand. A brand that delivers added value which lands directly in the minds and hearts of consumers.

4

Standing out at the sales outlet

A brand is only valuable to the extent that consumers recognise the brand. Opti-flor’s orchids are eye-catchers on the shop floor or on the shelf, thanks to their special aura and packaging.

5

Collaboration within our company and with chain partners

Opti-flor is eager to put the power of each link to optimum use. That’s the power of each employee at all of our production sites. And it’s also the power of each link in the floriculture chain.

OUR VALUES

How do we do what we do?

Everything we do always centres on five core Opti-flor values. These values determine how we work and act. They also give direction to your daily work activities in our company. That way, you always know what we expect of you.

FROM HIGH TO LOW We do it together

No one can do anything on their own at Opti-flor. What we achieve is achieved by everyone together, from high to low. Everyone contributes in their own way. But everyone does it with the same effort, the same enthusiasm, and the same commitment. That’s why everyone is important.

CREATIVE We inspire

Orchids are an inexhaustible source of inspiration. We discover something new every day. And we wish to pass on that inspiration: from employee to employee, to traders and exporters, to florists and garden centres at the top end of the market, and to consumers. Working with Opti-flor is energising!

GROUND-BREAKING

We change the status-quo

At Opti-flor, nothing is ever taken as fixed. We always ask: can it be done differently, better, smarter? Could this be a breed that can open up a whole new market? Can we boost the efficiency of this or that production method? And how can our marketing strategy achieve even greater impact? With us, you always have the opportunity to contribute.

HONEST

We are honest and straightforward

It could be due to our origins in Westland. But we’ve always remembered that everything runs more smoothly when everyone knows exactly what they can expect, and what’s expected of them. That’s why we like to make agreements, and to stick to them. And of saying things without implying something else. In short, we like to be honest and straightforward.

FIVE STAR

We focus on the details

By pushing the bar so high, we obviously need to be super critical. Every part of our company needs to be perfect, down to the smallest link. It’s the same feeling you get in a five-star hotel where you won’t find anything lacking or out of order. A sense of ‘wow!’

OPTI-FLOR COLLECTIONS

OPTI-FLOR COLLECTIONS

Bijoux Formidablo

Fortuno

Impresso

Theatro

Maistro

Bambuso

Botanico

Freedanzo

Aromio

Bellissimo

Boquetto

MyMonro

CREA TIVE

Balletto

Fontano

Mirror Miracle

Singolo

Singolo Arto

Singolo Hello

Singolo Aquarello

Singolo & Co

Optifriend

Optimost

Exclusivo

Tablo

Optistar

Coco ‘Maxilaria’

Mambo ‘Cattleya’

Sakuro ‘Epidendrum’

Design Opti-flor

Connected Green

ORGANISATIONAL CHART

THE CUSTOMERS

Melvin van der Zeyden

THE NURSERY

Rens van Antwerpen

Ruud Duijvestijn

Frank van Dijk

Sjors van Zeijl

INNOVATION/ RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Ruud Scheffers

PRODUCTMANAGEMENT

GROWER GROWER ASSISTANT MANAGER SALES SALES ASSISTANT MANAGER PRODUCTION TEAM LEADER PRODUCTION WORKER

MANAGING BOARD

Marco Hendriks

René Hendriks

Marc Grootscholten

Michiel de Koning

Jasper van der Pijl

THE PEOPLE

Rinske van den Berg

MARKETING

Tim van Leeuwen

COMMUNICATION

Larissa Valstar

FINANCE

Michiel de Koning

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

To be filled

CERTIFICATION

We not only lead the field thanks to the constant top quality of our Phalaenopsis, but also through our tireless dedication to people, the planet, and the direct environment. And we have the certificates to prove it! We are proud to have been awarded the MPS-A, MPS-GAP, MPS-Quality, MPS-ProductProof and MPS-Socially-Qualified certificates. It shows how Opti-flor fulfils the most stringent criteria in the field of quality care, traceability, the environment and social (work) conditions. You can read all about these criteria on www.my-mps.com.

WORKING AT OPTI-FLOR

COMPANY RULES

Every company has a set of company rules. So does Opti-flor. These rules ensure that we can all work together smoothly and successfully. And that you know what the company expects of you and of others. That’s why it is important to heed these rules. If you don’t, then it might force us to take legal measures.

General

1. You should arrive at your place of work at least 5 minutes in advance.

2. If you are sick on a working day, then you must notify your manager immediately by telephone. You should do so by not later than 07.00 on that day. You are not permitted to report sick via Whatsapp, SMS, email or any other way. If you did not report sick correctly, then we shall deduct one leave day from your leave hours credit. Read more about this in our absence policy.

3. Do you need to stop work early on a particular day? It’s possible, but always in consultation with your manager. Of course you should communicate your request well in time, but certainly not later than at the start of the working day.

4. Any questions or problems? Then be sure to contact your manager. Also if it concerns confidential matters. You can count on a confidential treatment.

5. If any incident occurs at your place of work, for instance a fight, a dispute, an argument, please report this to your manager immediately.

6. Need to go to the toilet? You can of course, but try to schedule your visit to the toilet during the break.

7. You are prohibited from using a mobile phone during work. The only exception is in case of exceptional (private) circumstances. In that case, please consult with your manager first.

Safety

8. If necessary for the work you perform, Optiflor will provide you with personal protective equipment. This equipment is for your own safety and health. You are obliged to use the equipment. Please note: if you nevertheless choose to not use the protective equipment, then you do so at your own risk.

9. Your manager is your point of contact in case something is not clear to you, or if you encounter an unsafe situation.

10. In the event of an emergency, you must obey the instructions of the company first responders (Dutch abbreviation: BHV’er).

Quality

11. Opti-flor is known for the high and reliable quality of our Phalaenopsis. You must therefore treat the plants with much care.

12. Use the materials at your place of work in a tidy and responsible manner.

13. Be sure to return the materials you have worked with but no longer need to the place where they belong.

14. Keep the working areas clean and tidy.

15. Do not take home Opti-flor property without asking. You may only do so following your manager’s explicit consent.

16. If any damage occurs to your own property, Opti-flor property or a colleague’s property, be sure to report this directly to your manager.

Food and drink, smoking

17. You are prohibited from bringing food and drink to your place of work. The only exception is a small plastic bottle of water.

18. Smoking is prohibited at the company. This applies to both the work place and the canteen. Smoking is only permitted during the break, at an especially designated place outside the company buildings. Please use the ashtrays provided when smoking, and keep the smoking area neat and tidy.

19. Not yet 18 years old? Then we encourage you to refrain from smoking and from alcohol. Opti-flor supports the NIX18 campaign.

20. You must refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while working at Opti-flor. Also be sure to not be under the influence of alcohol when starting work.

21. You must refrain from using any kind of drug during your work. Also be sure to not be under the influence of any drugs when starting work.

General manners

22. We are very attached to having a pleasant working atmosphere at Opti-flor. We therefore expect everyone to treat each other politely and to show respect and understanding.

23. Opti-flor will not accept any form of improper behaviour. If we are notified that you are not behaving properly, then we shall take measures.

24. Opti-flor can decide to dismiss employees with immediate effect for a number of reasons. These reasons are set out in Article 678 of the Dutch Civil Code. These reasons in any case include: giving Opti-flor incorrect, incomplete or false information; behaving in breach of public decency; refusing to perform work, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, engaging in misconduct, public disorder, theft, destroying and/or damaging the property of Opti-flor or third parties.

WORKING TIME AND BREAKS

Working hours at Opti-flor are scheduled between 07.00 and 18.00. The working hours vary according to the job. Based on the annual hours model of the CAO for horticulture, we assume a full-time working week of 38 hours.

Every working day you are entitled to three breaks:

Morning: 09.30 – 09.50

Lunch: 12.15 – 12.45

Afternoon: 15.00 – 15.20

AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION OF WORKING HOURS

Your working hours are registered automatically. All employees at Opti-flor are provided with a personal tag with which you can check-in and check-out at the SDF registration units at every location. The system not only registers working hours, but also registers the type of work through a coding system. This way, we can see exactly how much time is spent on particular activities, which allows us to optimise our operational management.

Take good care of your tag! If you lose the tag, we will need to charge you for the replacement costs (€ 17.50). This amount will be withheld from your next salary payment.

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF COMPANY INFORMATION

For some jobs you will need to sign a nondisclosure agreement when joining Opti-flor. But even if this was not a requirement for your job, we still expect that you will not disclose any information about our company to outside parties. We will monitor this very closely. That is why the confidentiality clause is a part of your employment contract.

If you contravene this rule, then we may have to impose a fine. This fine amounts to three times your last monthly salary, with another € 500 imposed for every day that the contravention persists. We can also hold you liable for any damages suffered.

CONSULTATION FORUMS

The different teams at the different locations regularly meet to discuss the work. These meetings are recorded in a report or action list. The employees who participate in these meetings can vary per location.

Also, there is an employee meeting at your location in autumn.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ON THE WORK FLOOR

Personal relationships can spring up everywhere, also on the Opti-flor work floor. However, an intimate or romantic relationship between employees must not affect how you interact during work. That is why we try to place the two partners in different locations or departments. If you are already employed at Opti-flor and a relationship develops with a colleague, then you must discuss this with your manager.

We may have to decide to relocate one of the partners. If it is a relationship where one of the partners holds a higher-ranking position, then you must report this immediately to your manager. In that case we have no other option but to relocate one of the partners to another location within the Opti-flor company. The decision as to who remains in place and who is relocated will be determined with a view to the company’s interests.

IMPROPER BEHAVIOUR

Opti-flor will not tolerate any form of improper or unpleasant behaviour, such as bullying, intimidation, discrimination, aggression, violence, corruption of extortion. If you do show any such form of behaviour, then we shall take measures ranging from a warning to suspension to dismissal. If you feel that you are the victim of such behaviour, then we will help you. Report your complaint to your manager or discuss it with our confidential adviser.

SMOKING AT WORK

It is prohibited to smoke inside our locations. If you must smoke, then please do so outside, at the designated place, before or after work or during the breaks. Make sure to deposit the ash and cigarette butts in the ashtrays, and keep the smoking area tidy.

Not yet 18 years old? Then we would appreciate it if you refrain from smoking.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

For your own safety and that of others, it is prohibited to drink alcohol during work. It is also prohibited to be under the influence of alcohol during work. The only occasion where it is permitted to consume alcohol is during a (festive) get-together, with the management’s permission. We also find it very important that you do not drink alcohol when participating in traffic. We also ask that you do not endanger your own health through excessive alcohol consumption.

Is your use of alcohol problematic? Then please discuss it with our company doctor. Your manager can refer you to the company doctor.

Not yet 18 years old? Then we strongly encourage you to not drink any alcohol at all.

Use of narcotics during work is prohibited. You als make sure that you are not under the influence of any narcotics while working.

DAMAGE TO COMPANY PROPERTY

If you are responsible for any damage to company property, please report this immediately to your manager. We assume that there is no intent. Did you act with intent, or with deliberate negligence? Then Opti-flor will claim the damages from you, where possible, by withholding the costs from your salary. We will determine the costs in consultation. If the damage is covered by an insurance company, then this does not apply.

SAFETY & HYGIENE

FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS

All Opti-flor managers have a First Aid diploma. They can offer help when accidents occur. We also have trained first responders at all locations (Dutch abbreviation: BHV’er). In case of an emergency you must immediately obey their instructions.

WORK CLOTHING

Our work clothing consists of polo shirts, T-shirts and sweatshirts. If you are employed full-time, you will be issued with 2 polo shirts, 3 T-shirts and a sweatshirt. For part-time employees it depends on the number of working days. If your work clothing needs replacement, ask the manager at your location.

SAFETY SHOES

We recommend that you wear special safety shoes in the processing areas and the greenhouse. If you choose not to, then this is at your own risk.

Opti-flor offers the following scheme for safety shoes: every employee is entitled to purchase one pair of shoes at our cost annualy, subject to the following conditions:

- New safety shoes can only be purchased at Joop Gardien Workwear, Hovenierstraat 122, 2671 DB Naaldwijk.

- You must choose S1-shoes: breathable, water-repellent shoes that are suitable for the work at your location.

- You may choose to buy more expensive shoes, but then the difference is for your own account.

- Before purchasing shoes, request an authorisation form from your manager.

- Need shoes with an adjustment, for instance with orthotics (special inlay soles)? Check with your manager first.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

If your work requires it, then we will provide you with personal protective equipment. This includes things like earplugs, dustcoats, face masks/ respirators, and safety goggles. You are obliged to use such equipment for your own health and safety. If you choose not to, then this is at your own risk. Your manager can help you choose and obtain the right protective equipment.

Please remember: everything that we provide to you remains company property. So do not take such items home.

COMPUTER GLASSES

Employees who work with a computer screen for more than 2 hours a day are eligible for a reimbursement of the costs of computer glasses.

The following conditions apply:

- you have an open-ended employment contract

- you suffer complaints that can be solved by using computer glasses

- the complaints need to be examined and confirmed in writing by a relevant expert (= an optician).

The reimbursement is capped at a maximum of € 200 once in three years, and can be applied for through your manager.

USE OF MEDICATION

Some medicines can reduce your response capacity or ability to drive. This can also have an impact on your work. If you use such types of medicine, please tell your manager. If necessary, the manager can help you find other work at the location, for the time being.

RISKS WHEN WORKING WITH OR NEAR MACHINES

Opti-flor makes every effort to ensure safe working conditions. You can contribute to this as well by looking out for your own safety. Part of this is being aware of the risks you may encounter. And of knowing how to perform your work safely.

Important: as soon as something unsafe happens, immediately press the red emergency stop button or pull the red/ white chain. This chain also functions as an emergency stop.

The train track

What can happen?

You can get hit by the train.

How to prevent this?

- Always remain aware of where the train is at when walking on the track.

- Before stepping onto the track, check to see where the train is located.

- Do not stand or walk in front of the train.

- Do not step onto the train to hitch a ride.

- Only perform work on the track when the train is stationary.

- Remain behind the fences or barriers.

- Caution: if the train is transporting a table, then it will protrude above the first table.

Stokmachine

(machine used to support orchids with sticks)

What can happen?

- You can get trapped between and injured by the moving parts of the machine.

- The machine can drag you along.

How to prevent this?

- Keep your hands well away from the machine’s moving parts.

- Only perform work on the machine when it is stationary.

- In case of an emergency, switch off the machine using the emergency stop.

- Check to make sure no one else is working on the machine before you switch it on.

Oppothoek

(the area where young plants are potted)

What can happen?

You can get trapped between the moving parts of the machine.

How to prevent this?

- Never grab a plant on an operating machine using your hands.

- In case of any problems, first return the machine to stationary before solving the problem.

- Stay out of the pot soil bunker while it is in operation.

Uitzet- en neerzetmachine (machine used to relocate potted plants to the greenhouse)

What can happen?

- You can get trapped between the machine and its parts.

- You can be dragged along or knocked over by the moving fork.

- You can get trapped between the moving parts of the machine.

How to prevent this?

- Stay well away from the machine’s moving parts.

- Do not place your hands between the holders.

- In case of any problems, first return the machine to stationary before solving the problem.

- Do not position yourself between the moving tables.

Uitraaphoek

(area for plants selected for sale)

What can happen?

- You can end up beneath a table in case of overhead transport.

- You can get trapped between a push-off unit.

How to prevent this?

- Do not walk or stand between the tables when a table is in motion.

- Do not stand under or directly next to a table as it is being lifted.

- Do not stand beneath the open parts at the site of the overhead transport.

- Do not touch the moving parts.

Delivery

What can happen?

- You can get trapped between the moving parts of a machine.

- You can get trapped between a Danish trolley destacker.

- You can get trapped between the seal at the sealing machine.

- You can fall from the platform of the sealing machine.

How to prevent this?

- Do not sit between (possible) moving parts of the system.

- First stop the machine before performing any work on the machine.

- Stay away from the Danish trolleys at the destacker.

- Do not stand in front of the mouth of the destacker.

- Do not stand on the platform when the sealing machine is in operation.

Working with machines and equipment?

Be doubly careful!

If an accident nevertheless occurs, with or without injury, be sure to register this in the registration folder for accidents. This folder is kept in the production manager’s office.

Anything unclear when starting to work on or with a machine? Then be sure to check with your manager!

If you notice any dangerous circumstances, notify your manager directly.

You will receive oral explanations and instructions regarding working conditions and working on or with machines. This information concerns, for example:

- the right bodily posture and movements

- dealing with hazardous substances (only for employees permitted to deal with these)

- the proper use of machines, tools, and personal protective equipment

- company emergency response (Dutch abbreviation: BHV)

- physical strain

The instructions can differ according to work place and job.

HYGIENE RULES

1. Wear fresh clean clothes every day. Let Opti-flor wash the Opti-flor trousers.

2. Do not smoke, eat or drink on the work floor.

3. Keep the working area tidy.

- Leave the canteen tidy after the break. Waste should go in the waste bins.

- Don’t leave a mess in the toilets and dressing rooms, and keep the dressing room doors shut.

- Tidy up the processing rooms at the end of each day. The processing room is cleaned thoroughly by broom and/or water at the end of each week.

4. Make sure to separate waste as much as possible: organic waste, paper, plastic, pots and non-recyclable waste.

5. Wash your hands:

- after visiting the toilet

- after touching crop protection substances or fertiliser

6. Avoid spreading plant diseases by disinfecting your hands:

- after having contact with sick plants

- after a change-over of lots

- after a change-over of containers

7. In the event of visitors to the company: make sure they wear protective clothing when visiting the cultivation areas.

What to do when you discover sick plants or pests?

- Always report this to your manager; he can call up the cultivation manager if necessary.

- Your manager or the cultivation manager will always tell you exactly what you discovered and how we deal with it.

- Put sick plants in a sealed plastic bag and deposit it in the designated container.

How do you recognise diseases and infestations?

Examine the posters with photographs of plants having diseases or infestations. We encourage you to look at these photographs regularly so that you can more easily recognise a plant with problems.

If you recently entered our employment, we will train you in recognising diseases and infestations.

LEAVE

REQUESTING HOLIDAY LEAVE

You can request leave days (or leave hours) using the ‘leave application form’. These forms are kept in a tray in the canteen at all locations. Fully complete the form and hand it in to your manager in good time. He/she will review the request and will tell you whether it’s been approved or not.

Some employees like to take 3 weeks of consecutive holiday leave. You are permitted to take 3 weeks of consecutive leave once every 5 years, in the following periods: - up to two weeks before Mother’s Day - between 1 July and 30 September - in the month of December.

Your request must meet the following conditions:

1. During your absence, there are enough colleagues at work to ensure normal continuity of the work.

2. Employees with school-going children have priority during school holidays.

3. You must first obtain permission from your supervisor

4. Management members: the regulation can only be applied for one management team member per location per year.

5. There must be a period of at least 4 years in between 2 holidays of three consecutive weeks.

6. We shall always make every effort to implement this leave policy, but the policy does not entitle you to any ‘rights’ that you can claim. In each case, managers and/or a managing board member will determine whether your request can be granted. If we nevertheless need to reject your request, then this decision is binding.

COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION TO EMPLOYEES

At Opti-flor, we like to keep you informed of all developments. We do so in the following ways:

- TV screens in the canteens provide short news items and topical matters

- videos

- every 4 weeks there is a ‘canteen talk’ by and with the executive management at your location. You will receive a summary of what is being said in the newsletter by mail afterwards.

- information by email if Opti-flor has some news to share with you.

USE OF MOBILE PHONES

It is prohibited to use your mobile phone for private purposes during work. Obviously, you are free to make private phone calls or send messages during breaks.

USE OF COMPUTERS AND NETWORK

If you use the computer for your work, make sure not to let in any viruses. That’s why you are not allowed to download programmes or files on your own. We also ask that you are very careful with unfamiliar or unsafe websites. Do not click on any links or attachments sent by unknown email addresses.

USE OF INTERNET

Do you use a computer during work? Obviously, you can only do so for work purposes. If you do need to use the computer (and internet) for private purposes, then you must do so very briefly and make sure not to interrupt or annoy your colleagues.

You may never use the internet and email for the following purposes:

- To download, view or spread pornographic, discriminating, intimidating or offensive content, such as images or videos.

- To chat or share information with others in another way, except if it is for work purposes. This applies for instance to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

- To download music, films, programmes, books etc., for private use.

- To visit non-public sources on the internet.

- To deliberately and without permission change or delete information that you accessed via internet.

- To deliberately download or send material containing a virus.

Do you receive non-business and unacceptable email messages, from colleagues or from outside the company? Please ask the sender to stop doing so immediately. If it continues, please report this directly to your manager.

Opti-flor in principle does not check personal data regarding your internet use at work. If we receive complaints or signals that your internet use contravenes the policy, then we shall take measures, This may include, if necessary, that we record, print out and examine such data.

Opti-flor also does not read the content of email messages. However, if we suspect that you are engaging in unauthorised or even criminal activities, then we have the right to open and check your email messages. These data are saved for as long as is necessary, though never longer than 3 months.

SOCIAL MEDIA RULES

Many people make use of social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Pinterest or blogs. Some employees use it for work purposes, others only for private

purposes. Perhaps you sometimes report something about Opti-flor. For example if we are seeking new employees or if something funny happened on the work floor. We appreciate that, but please observe the rules when doing so. We are eager to avoid any misunderstanding and do not want to jeopardise Opti-flor’s good standing. Please remember that anything posted on the internet will remain there for a very long time, and can easily be found using Google or other search engines .

We appreciate the following:

- If you wish to use the Opti-flor logo, please contact Communication via marketing@optiflor.nl. This way we can be sure that the logo is used properly, and we can offer advice on how to apply our corporate style.

- Always keep the Opti-flor values in mind: committed, creative, ground-breaking, honest, five-star.

- Be honest. Check to make sure that whatever you are communicating is 100% correct.

As our employee, you are our company’s calling card. Please bear this in mind when posting messages on social media. And always think about the possible consequences of your actions, for yourself and for Opti-flor.

What we disapprove of:

- Do not post messages that reveal important information about Opti-flor (for instance about our R&D activities).

- Do not post messages with negative opinions about the company.

In case of doubt, please check with your manager.

Opti-flor is on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

NICE TO KNOW!

There. Now you know all about Opti-flor. But how much do you know about the product we grow, Phalaenopsis? Not so much, perhaps. That’s why we include the diagram below to show you how we grow Europe’s most beautiful orchids.

WEEK 1

The orchid comes out of the laboratory tray, is planted in a plug and will grow in the warm greenhouse.

WEEK 40

The orchids are getting too big and are placed wider for more growing space.

WEEK 25

The orchid is repotted in a larger pot, this is also the final pot.

WEEK 72

The stretching of the plant is complete and the plant is supported by sticks.

WEEK 55

The fully grown plant is large enough and is cooled, so that the plant starts making branches and flowers.

75

WEEK 75

The plant is in bloom and is looking forward to getting a nice place in a home or office.

OPTI-FLOR’S BEST IDEA

Can you come up with the Best Idea of the year? Perhaps it occurs to you that some things at Opti-flor could be done differently. Better, faster, smarter. Then don’t keep your idea to yourself, but share it with us! And who knows, perhaps it will turn to be the Best Idea of the year!

All ideas are welcome. An idea about how to improve the greenhouse interior arrangement. About a new collection. A different pot size. A better form of packaging. Another work procedure. A different machine work sequence. Or anything else that might occur to you. You can submit ideas throughout the year to besteidee@optiflor.nl

Once a year, an expert jury will examine all the ideas, and the Best Idea wins. The winner will receive a prize and can contribute to putting his or her idea into practice!

OPTI-FLOR BENEFITS

To work with orchid beauties every day. But that’s not the only reason why working at Opti-flor is something special.

Consider for instance:

- together we not only create beautiful orchids, but also a pleasant working atmosphere in which everyone feels valued.

- coffee, tea, Cup-a-soup and fresh fruit during the breaks.

- option to buy Phalaenopsis at strongly reduced prices. Ask sales at your location.

- journals and newsletters about the horticultural sector. You can find these in the library cabinet in the canteen.

- refreshments with colleagues at the end of work on Friday afternoon.

- fun BBQ with colleagues after the extra efforts in the busy months of April and May.

- annual team-building event, concluding with a BBQ.

- annual day for your family members

- the Opti-flor Christmas Event in December.

- Opti-flor jogging and cycling wear for strongly reduced prices.

- participation in the Opti-flor runners project. Together we do the Opti-flor run in November.