What does eTNOs do?
A message from eTNOs
The association's activities can be summarized in three words: meeting, representing, and informing. 'Meeting' focuses on reencounters with former colleagues, as well as registering the work carried out by former TNO employees in the ‘History of TNO’. 'Representing' is about the interests of members, especially in our Pension Fund. 'Informing' concerns information meetings, the association’ magazine eTNOs Berichten (EB), and the website. In this Life & Pension we explain a little more about how information is shared.
Information meeting of eTNOs' pension working group
The Care and Welfare working group organizes information meetings, for example about the Social Support Act (Wmo), the Last Will and Testament, and the Living Will. This year, there will be meetings about the healthcare system, with discussions about the availability and affordability of healthcare, the division of tasks, etc. A second meeting concerns the digital legacy. Few people take the time to think about their digital legacy, even though our lives have become increasingly entwined with digital activity over the past twenty years. We’re active online in all kinds of areas with passwords that nobody else knows and are difficult to crack. So what happens if someone dies? Nobody can access all those well-secured accounts.
The pension working group informs its members about the pension transition by regularly reporting progress in the magazine eTNOs Berichten, and by holding information meetings in the three eTNOs regions.
The eTNOs Berichten magazine (Dutch) informs members about recent TNO work, such as sustainable concrete, circular use of plastic, and quantum sensors. There’s also space for reports about unusual hobbies of members and, of course, eTNOs activities.
Finally, there is the website (Dutch). It contains everything mentioned above, as well as all the documents of the ‘History of TNO’ working group, the TNO family tree, an image bank with more than 1,900 photos, stories, narrations, and more.
'Informing' members about all kinds of matters that concern them is therefore an essential task of the association.
For registration and conditions, see: www.etnos.nl/administratie-organisatie/contact/ (Dutch)
The Social Personnel Fund a fund for us all!
A message from SPF
Talking about financial worries is still taboo. Many people are ashamed of sharing such concerns with others. Running out of cash before the end of the month, being constantly in the red - anybody can find themselves worrying about their financial situation. Even if you manage money well, events such as divorce, death, a partner becoming unemployed, someone at home needing care, or problems with children can seriously disrupt your finances. This can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and uncertainty. Basically, a future without financial worries provides breathing space to help you get back on your feet.
Sound the alarm (in time)! Whether your financial worries are big or small, try to keep them under control. If that doesn't work, don't hesitate to ask for help from the Social Personnel Fund. Debts usually start small, but if you don't do anything about them, things can escalate rapidly.
You can therefore also ask for help to put a negative bank balance back in the black, so that you’re able to pay your monthly bills again. The Social Personnel Fund can take immediate action to find a lasting solution together with you. Access to this service is made as easy as possible. E-mail us at spf@tno.nl if you think we can help you.
Personalized help and no waiting times The Social Personnel Fund particularly looks at what they can do for you. Every situation is different, so personalized solutions are necessary. Debts/arrears can be restructured with an interest-free loan and an appropriate repayment arrangement. The SPF provides guidance or, if necessary, engages the expertise of a financial coach.
A morale booster If there are no financial concerns, the SPF can also provide assistance for social reasons. Sometimes, people feel that they have been on the edge of the abyss for a long time due to illness or an accumulation of unpleasant circumstances. Depending on the situation, the SPF offers various options to take a step back. Gifts are provided in these situations.
Confidentiality The SPF is independent, and can therefore guarantee confidentiality. No information will be provided to third parties, including the pension fund, without your consent.
More information E-mail the SPF Secretary, Ginie Roerdink: spf@tno.nl.
Read more about the options and membership of SPF on Pension Fund the website under Documents (Dutch) or read the news letter.
Reunion day for retired GDN'ers
On Tuesday afternoon, September 24, the Geological Survey of the Netherlands is organizing a Reunion Day for retired GDN'ers at TNO in Utrecht. Are you a former GDN'er and would you like to be invited? Send an email to dick.ottema@tno.nl. At the end of June you will receive the invitation and registration form for this afternoon.
Deceased pension beneficiaries
Do you need support in grieving?
You don’t have to grieve alone. The death of a loved one is a profound event.
Through TNO Pension Fund, you can access grief support from Rouwsteun free of charge: www.rouwsteun.nl/pensioenfondstno (Dutch).