How digital HR is reshaping WDP’s workforce for the future
At WDP, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation in logistics real estate. Our mission to transform the future of supply chains underpins everything we do. But as we continue to grow and expand across Europe, we’ve realized that transforming the logistics industry isn’t enough — we need to innovate internally too. This is the story of how we embraced digital HR to empower our people, streamline processes, and future-proof our workforce.
Why we took the Leap into Digital HR
As a company managing over 7.5 million m² of warehouse space across six countries, our ambitions are as bold as our operations. At WDP, we understand that achieving our goals is fundamentally a people-driven endeavor. Our employees are the backbone of our success, and providing them with a modern, efficient, and supportive work environment is a top priority.
The rapid growth of our business and the increasing complexity of our HR processes made it clear: we needed a centralized, digital solution to manage our people operations effectively. This was not just about keeping up with the times — it was about ensuring that our HR practices reflected the same level of innovation and intelligence as our “warehouses with brains.”
Enter our digital transformation journey, guided by the expertise of Flexso for People and powered by SAP SuccessFactors.
The first steps: Feedback and Target setting
Our digital HR transformation began with the processes that matter most to our people: feedback conversations and target setting. Every year, our employees set goals and participate in evaluation discussions to assess their progress, identify training needs, and plan for their professional growth.
Previously, these discussions were scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and paper documents. Today, all this information is centralized in our digital platform, HR Hub. HR Hub allows employees and managers to access feedback histories, track progress, and align on future objectives — all in one place.
This shift has not only streamlined our processes but also created a more transparent and empowering experience for our people. Employees can now see their growth journey at a glance, while managers have the tools to provide meaningful, data-driven support.
Why SAP SuccessFactors?
The backbone of our HR Hub is SAP SuccessFactors, a comprehensive software solution that integrates all our HR processes into one centralized system.
Sophie De Luyck, Head of HR at WDP, highlights the key benefits:
SAP SuccessFactors generates clarity and time savings. It allows us to standardize processes, apply consistent criteria, and access valuable reports. For example, we can now quickly identify training needs across the organization and ensure our employees have the resources to grow in their roles.
For a company like WDP, with 145 employees across five countries, SAP SuccessFactors offers the perfect balance of scalability and simplicity. It ensures our small but focused HR team can manage complex processes without being bogged down by administrative tasks.
The role of Flexso for People
Choosing the right implementation partner was critical to the success of our transformation. With Flexso for People, we found a team that shared our pragmatic and forward-thinking approach.
“Flexso for People isn’t dogmatic — they adapt their solutions to fit the specific needs of your organization,” says Sophie. “Their flexibility and open communication made the entire process seamless.”
From day one, their consultants worked closely with us to understand our operational realities and tailor the system to our unique requirements. This collaborative approach ensured that the solution wasn’t just functional but truly aligned with our vision and goals.
Change Management: The key to success
Digital transformation is as much about people as it is about technology. For us, the success of this project hinged on effective change management.
Tom Mentens, Consultant at Flexso for People, explains:
WDP’s clear vision and pragmatic approach were crucial. They knew exactly what they wanted — and what they didn’t want. This openness allowed us to design a solution that truly worked for them.
We also assembled a dedicated project team to oversee the transition, ensuring that everyone involved was aligned and focused. This commitment to collaboration and communication was instrumental in delivering a smooth and efficient rollout.
Advice for HR Leaders considering Digital Transformation
If you’re an HR leader contemplating the shift to digital, here’s our advice:
- Start with a clear vision. Know what you want to achieve and prioritize the processes that will have the biggest impact.
- Choose the right partner. Work with a team that understands your needs and can adapt their solutions to fit your organization.
- Invest in change management. Digital transformation isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. Take the time to engage your employees and ensure they feel supported throughout the transition.
- Think long-term. While the initial implementation may require time and effort, the long-term benefits — efficiency, clarity, and empowerment — are well worth it.
Digital HR is the future. It’s not just a step forward for your HR organization — it’s a step forward for your employees
Looking Ahead: HR with Brains
Our journey into digital HR is just the beginning. At WDP, we’re committed to continuously improving and innovating to support our people and our mission.
To hear more about our transformation and the role of digital solutions in modern HR, check out the Deep Dive podcast by HRMagazine.
Together, we’re building not just warehouses with brains, but an organization with heart.
Ready to take the leap into digital HR? Let our story inspire you to embrace the future and empower your people. Because when your HR processes are as smart as your business, the possibilities are endless.