Our Fundamentals

Dear reader,

What defines Happy Rebels?

Certainly this: we are not afraid to challenge the status quo. 

We speak out even when we know our message is unpopular.

And we never do things just because “that is how they have always been done.”

These are the reasons why we won’t be publishing our traditional annual report this year. As entrepreneurs and Happy Rebels, we know where our priorities lie. Today’s market does not allow us to spend time writing long texts and keep editing them until they are perfect. Of course, we love to tell our stories, but right now, we need to be where the action is: with our customers, candidates, and teams.

That said, I do want to share my honest view on 2025: it was simply not good enough. There, I’ve said it.

Last year, I told you our goal for 2025 was to keep outperforming the market. And we did. On revenue. On profitability. We stayed agile, nimble, and flexible.

So why do I say it wasn’t good enough? Because I know we can do better. We can always do better. And I would like to take this exact mindset into 2026: harder, better, faster, stronger.

Some of our Powerhouses are already delivering strong growth. Others are still facing headwinds. But all of them are moving in the right direction. And that direction is clear:

• Getting closer to our customers and candidates, understanding what they need to be successful.  
• Embracing technology to strengthen our ‘Human First, Tech Enabled’ approach,  and by doing so, moving up higher in the value chain.
• And as true entrepreneurs, accepting that every challenge or new legislation also presents opportunities.

The labor market is evolving fast. Flexibility, specialization, skills, talent, and training are becoming the defining factors.

Technology helps us move faster and smarter. Our apps connect people instantly.  AI helps our consultants make better matches. And we continue to invest in data and AI capabilities – not because it’s trend, but because it delivers real value for our customers and candidates.

Human First, Tech Enabled. That is what we are building. Every day. In every Boutique. In every Powerhouse. Every major technological shift is ultimately driven by people. That’s why we remain committed to being the best, the nicest, and the kindest people in the business, with technology serving us, not the other way around.

So, dear readers, just call us. Or come by. We will be there.

Rika Coppens, CEO House of HR