RGF Connect – RGF Staffing’s global social program – is driving real change through education and employment opportunities, to build a stronger, more inclusive society. With the appointment of RGF Connect Social Impact Directors across all operating companies, RGF Staffing aims to expand the reach and impact of local RGF Connect programs. “Companies that prioritize social good not only contribute to a better world, but also boost their own success.”
In 2030 we have connected 1.5 million individuals to meaningful employment opportunities through our business and RGF Connect. Creating employment opportunities for underserved individuals through the global RGF Connect program, plays a key role in achieving this goal.
Make a meaningful impact on society
Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick, Global Head of RGF Connect, is dedicated to the growth and success of RGF Connect: “Our RGF Connect mission is to build bridges and break barriers for individuals around the world, creating opportunities for all. It’s crucial to appoint dedicated leaders with specialized expertise at each of our operating companies. These RGF Connect Social Impact Directors will play a key role in expanding the global initiative and making a meaningful impact in society.”
“RGF Connect Social Impact Directors will start their roles across all operating companies,” says Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick. Recently, impactful changes have already been initiated in local communities worldwide through various RGF Connect initiatives and social projects. “Tailored to local needs, the newly appointed RGF Connect leads will strengthen community relationships and serve as conversation partners for our local clients. In doing so, we are also investing in our clients, supporting them, not only with recruitment but making them more attractive as socially responsible employers as well. We are therefore contributing directly to our clients’ employer branding and employee engagement. Ultimately, companies that prioritize social good not only contribute to a better world, but also boost their own success.”
Within RGF Staffing's various operating companies, our RGF Connectors have already played a pivotal role in driving the success of local RGF Connect initiatives through their determination, perseverance and, above all, their contagious enthusiasm since the past 1.5 years. The addition of RGF Connect’s Social Impact Directors will further enhance the program’s global success. In some operating companies the appointments have already been made, with others to follow soon.
Ready to take the next step
“My passion for RGF Connect stems from my belief that meaningful work has the power to truly transform lives,” says Jannette van Blitterswijk, RGF Connect Social Impact Director in the Netherlands. “Work isn’t just about earning money – it’s about building connections, personal growth, and boosting self-confidence. In the Netherlands, we already place a strong emphasis on inclusivity: we have already assisted hundreds of underserved individuals into employment in the past year. With RGF Connect, we’re ready to take the next step, tailored to the unique strengths of each brand within our organization. There’s so much untapped and underserved talent, requiring just a little encouragement to take a leap into the workforce. With RGF Connect, we can focus on these individuals, set ambitious goals, and make a real difference.”
Jannette van Blitterswijk: “Work isn’t just about earning money – it’s about building connections, personal growth, and boosting self-confidence.”
For Jannette van Blitterswijk it’s truly amazing to be the person leading this movement for RGF Staffing in the Netherlands. “What makes it even more exciting is the opportunity to work with my colleagues across the globe, driving inclusion and diversity in different parts of the world. This isn’t just something we’re required to do – it’s something we believe should be a standard part of our business practices. Together, across brands and borders, we can make a significant impact through local actions.”
Matt McGowan: “I’m excited to leverage our expertise to create scalable solutions that break down barriers and empower individuals to achieve lasting success.”
At Staffmark Group in the USA, Matt McGowan has been appointed RGF Connect Social Impact Director: “One in three Americans has a criminal record, often creating significant barriers to meaningful employment. Through RGF Connect, I see a powerful opportunity to drive social impact by addressing these challenges and helping to reduce recidivism,” he explains. “By partnering with forward-thinking employers and community organizations, we can open doors to stable employment for individuals with criminal records and others facing barriers to employment. While overcoming the stigma surrounding second-chance hiring is a challenge, we have a unique opportunity to educate clients on the immense value this untapped workforce can bring to their organizations. I’m excited to leverage our expertise to create scalable solutions that break down barriers and empower individuals to achieve lasting success.”
Breaking down barriers to employment
Yvonne Mastenbroek, Chief Sustainability Officer RGF Staffing, emphasizes the vital role of RGF Connect in the social pillar of the company's Sustainability strategy: “We started the RGF Connect global social program 1.5 years ago, through initiatives in our operating companies. By building bridges through educational programs, we are breaking down barriers for underserved people. Now, we enter the next phase with our newly appointed directors, expanding RGF Connect to more of our brands across the world. This results in a wider range of social programs which enables us to create meaningful change for even more people with a distance to the labor market! It’s exactly what we envisioned when we started RGF Connect: creating local ripples, building up into one global wave. I am very proud of this joint effort, working together with our employees across the world, our partners and our clients as employers. Together, we will make RGF Connect a growing success!”