Colleagues from PGGM The Hague and Zeist came together for an evening full of inclusion and connection. The evening consisted of a shared meal, an inspiring speech by Ahmed Aboutaleb, donations to the Food Bank Zeist, lively conversations, and a moment of reflection. Many PGGM employees also participated in the fasting experience.

During the PGGM Iftar, we had Ahmed Aboutaleb, Commander in the Order of Orange-Nassau and former mayor of Rotterdam, as our guest. He gave an inspiring speech about connection, the pillars of Islam, leadership, and his personal experiences during his time as Mayor of Rotterdam.

What an evening!

Introduction

At PGGM, we believe in the strength of diversity and in creating a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our identity and the way we collaborate. In 2024, we made significant progress, including becoming the first organisation in the Netherlands and Europe to sign the CFA DEI Code, reinforcing our commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture.

By organising inspiring events such as International Women’s Week and Diversity Week, and partnering with organisations like APG and the Living Library, we translate DEI into visible and concrete actions. Our DEI Core Team is actively engaged in developing policy, raising awareness and implementing practical initiatives, which has led to employees rating inclusion at PGGM as 8.2 out of 10.

One of our recent initiatives is PGGMama. Find out more below.

Trust, teamwork and innovation are the core values that connect us at PGGM. They shape the way we interact, collaborate and continue to innovate. Remarkably, these values were not created in a boardroom, they emerged from the people who work here.

Together with Professor Spencer Harrison (INSEAD Business School), we set out to discover the moments when we are at our best at PGGM. From more than 800 personal stories shared by colleagues, the same themes kept emerging. This common thread - the strength of working together, the courage to trust and the drive to keep innovating - formed the basis for our new core values.

Pregnancy and becoming a mother is a special phase in life: beautiful and intense, bringing new responsibilities, changes in body and mind, and questions about how to balance work and family in the future. Feeling supported during this time is especially important, not just at home but also at work. This is why PGGM introduced PGGMama.

Born from personal experiences

PGGMama was inspired by the experiences of mothers within PGGM itself, including Elles Diepeveen – van Cromvoirt (Director of Corporate Communication at PGGM) and Damiët Martinot (Manager People Development).

‘Anyone who announces their pregnancy receives the PGGMama magazine. This magazine is full of honest and relatable stories from colleagues about being pregnant, giving birth, becoming a mother and working at PGGM. We also offer a free trial session with Mom in Balance, so it is easy to stay active throughout your pregnancy.

We have also set up a buddy system. Sometimes it makes all the difference to talk things through with someone who has been there before. From practical tips on planning your leave to what it is really like to return to work when your baby is still tiny, your buddy is there to share experiences. Not as a professional, but as a colleague who genuinely understands what it is like.’

Connecting and sharing

‘Motherhood naturally brings people together, and we want to strengthen this connection with the PGGMama community. Online you can find information, share experiences and connect with others. A few times a year we organise the PGGMama Café with coffee, conversation and the comfort of recognising your own story in someone else’s. It is a place where nothing is expected and everything is welcome. Sometimes it helps to know you are not the only one who feels tired, has doubts or is trying to find balance.’

Support at every step

‘We offer extra support around the time of birth as well. We send a small gift for the baby and the book Power Mom for the mother. When the time comes to return to work, we offer the Soft Landing training. This training helps you combine work and family life in a healthy way and find your balance again. Not because we expect everything to work out by itself, but because we know how important good support is at that moment.

We have also listened carefully to colleagues’ needs in the workplace. Based on their input, the nursing rooms have been updated and redesigned to help young mothers feel comfortable and at ease.’

Stronger together

‘PGGMama is available in both Dutch and English for colleagues in Zeist and The Hague. The programme is for all mothers who combine work and caring responsibilities and want to help and support one another. Not with grand promises or complicated processes, but with practical help, a listening ear and the freedom to be yourself.

Supporting mothers benefits not only them but the whole organisation. Mothers are often champions at organising, adapting and setting priorities. When they are properly supported during the most intense years of their lives, it strengthens their long-term employability, which benefits everyone.’