Synechron

Synechron strengthens teams through training and collaboration

At Synechron, everything revolves around developing talent and strengthening collaboration within teams. Together with Engagement Builders, the company has created a tailored strategy that helps employees integrate quickly and gives them the opportunity to continuously grow, both personally and professionally. With customised programmes that reinforce company culture while developing personal skills, Synechron responds to the evolving needs of its people. The result? An organisation that performs strongly and one where employees feel connected and actively contribute to a culture of ongoing growth.

“By partnering with Engagement Builders, we can further develop the interpersonal and leadership skills of our employees, as well as strengthen collaboration within teams,” says Selwyn Halbertsma, Senior Director and Head of Business Consulting at Synechron Netherlands. “Programmes such as the SKA training sessions and the onboarding bootcamp create stronger connections between colleagues. These trainings enable us to develop and retain talent. The result is a stronger organisation, better collaboration and employees who truly feel valued.”

Synechron is a global technology and consulting firm with a strong focus on the financial sector. With more than 14,500 employees, the company supports banks, insurers and asset managers worldwide. The Dutch arm of Synechron has traditionally specialised in business consulting, with a dedicated focus on the personal and professional development of its people. All Synechron employees, from junior to senior, receive ten annual training days, which they can use for a wide range of development programmes. These days strengthen professional skills and because employees go through the programmes together, they also enhance teamwork and collaboration.

To accelerate the professional development of its employees, Synechron partnered with Engagement Builders. This collaboration has resulted in customised programmes that not only help employees integrate quickly but also give them continuous opportunities to grow. The trainings reinforce a positive company culture, helping employees feel connected and motivating them to contribute actively to an environment that fosters growth and collaboration.

“What I value in our collaboration with Engagement Builders is that they always adapt to our changing needs.”

Brenda Lumkeman, Synechron

Building growth and connection

“The collaboration with Engagement Builders began when we were looking for a partner who could help us develop a complete training framework for our employees,” says Brenda Lumkeman, People Partner at Synechron. “Together, we built a structured programme that combines personal development with consulting skills. They now also support us by reviewing the entire training framework and advising us on which adjustments are needed to better meet the evolving needs of our employees.”

Selwyn Halbertsma adds: “When we were looking for a party to deliver a training session, we ended up with Chantal. What started with a few individual trainings gradually evolved into a deeper collaboration. Together, we developed learning pathways that support not only technical and consulting skills but also personal development. It’s a process that has grown over the years.”

At the heart of the programme are the SKA training sessions: Self-Knowledge and Authenticity, focused on personal growth and skills such as self-reflection, trust-building and strengthening team collaboration. On top of this, there is a two-day onboarding bootcamp that helps new employees quickly understand their role and become familiar with Synechron’s culture and core values.

The training sessions and onboarding bootcamp are essential for Synechron because they help new employees integrate quickly and strengthen the sense of team belonging. The onboarding bootcamp introduces them to the organisation’s culture and values, while the SKA trainings deepen interpersonal connection and strengthen collaboration. This combination stimulates both personal and professional growth, which not only improves employee effectiveness but also enhances relationships within teams.

Brenda Lumkeman emphasises how important these shared trainings are for strengthening the sense of connection:

“We are a highly diverse company, with around twenty nationalities. The shared training helps bridge cultural differences and strengthen team cohesion. Employees who start at the same time often become friends, have lunch together or meet outside of work for dinner.”

A collaboration that makes a difference

“What makes our collaboration with Engagement Builders so valuable is that they took the time to truly understand our organisation. They understand who we are, what we need and how we operate. They continue to develop themselves as well, for example in the area of e-learning, so they can support us as we keep moving forward. The long-term partnership has made them more than a training provider, they are a true strategic partner who not only supports our people’s development but also strengthens team collaboration and our company culture. The result is an organisation that performs better and where employees genuinely feel connected and able to grow,” says Selwyn Halbertsma.

Brenda Lumkeman adds: “What I value in our collaboration with Engagement Builders is that they always adapt to our changing needs. They are not only flexible but also proactive in providing solutions that align with our company culture. That ensures that the trainings and programmes are not only effective but also truly make an impact on our employees.”

The future of learning and development

The partnership between Synechron and Engagement Builders has contributed not only to employee development but also to strengthening the company culture. Synechron recognises that employees’ learning needs continue to evolve and that it is essential to respond to them with flexibility. Selwyn Halbertsma shares his view on the future of learning and development at Synechron:

“We see that employees’ needs keep changing, and we must respond accordingly. Early-career employees often need structured pathways, while senior colleagues prefer more ownership of their learning process. It’s up to us to strike a balance, so we can support both young talent and experienced professionals in their development. Technology will play an increasingly important role. We will continue investing in digital learning methods, such as e-learnings and other platforms, that give employees the freedom to learn at their own pace and at the moments that suit them best. The goal is to ensure that employees not only develop the knowledge and skills needed for their role but also continue to grow within the organisation, fostering a sense of connection and helping them use their talents to the fullest.”

Engagement Builders supports organisations in the professional and personal development of their people. Through tailored learning and development programmes, we ensure that professionals use their full potential. This leads to higher employee satisfaction and improved organisational performance. Curious what this could look like for your organisation or team? Get in touch with us, we’d be happy to tell you more.