Insights

How do Belgian organizations implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their operations? While Belgian organizations rate their SDG implementation at an average of 5.49 out of 7, the actual integration appears significantly lower, scoring just 4.74. They prioritize goals such as quality education, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, whereas goals like no poverty and life below water receive less attention.

The NIS2 – a European directive that follows in the footsteps of NIS1 – requires full implementation by member states on October 17, 2024. This means that member states will have had time between January 16, 2023 and October 17, 2024, to translate the law into more specific rules and instructions in order to comply effectively. It's worth noting that certain countries and industries have already anticipated this shift and have started adapting to it. In this article, I describe three stances vital to boards or anybody having a steak in the company. And the primary obligations you must consider.

Professors Peggy De Prins and Lou Van Beirendonck from Antwerp Management School emphasize that innovative HR policies can attract employees, especially when they can meaningfully contribute to the community. Alongside technological developments like AI, human contact remains crucial for collaboration and innovation. According to them, modern HR requires a balance of flexibility, inclusion, and clear team goals. In hybrid work cultures, where informal moments are rarer, in-person meetings and dialogue are increasingly important. Innovation in local governments demands a shift toward horizontal structures and constant adaptation, where employees feel valued and connected. They will share their insights at the upcoming P+O Congress.

How democratic is your workplace? And does your workplace vote also influence your political vote?

2024 was an election year, both politically and socially. The ideal opportunity to question these movements!

In this white paper, read more about how seen and heard employees feel.

Taboos are of all times. They are accompanied by a range of emotions, such as shame and pain. Yet sometimes they suddenly come to the forefront or are broken when people decide to do speak out. Numerous taboos exist in the workplace as well, such as the #Metoo issue and the stories surrounding toxic leadership.

Such silence is also prevalent in the workplace. For example, 31% do not speak out on some sensitive topics and 36% will not share everything that is on their mind.

In this white paper, we delve deeper into the themes of this silence.

Belgium’s tech startup ecosystem is booming, with over 300 tech start-ups spanning sectors like AI, health tech, and fintech. However, despite a strong foundation, scaling a startup in Belgium presents a unique set of challenges. Founders must navigate complex issues such as critical mass, investor relations, and board governance, each of which can determine whether a company scales successfully or stalls. We spoke with experts Robin De Cock, Karen Wouters, and Axel Funhoff to uncover the key factors that tech entrepreneurs must master to scale effectively.

Lifelong learning is no longer optional—it’s essential for businesses to stay competitive and agile in an ever-evolving world. Both business leaders and employees must continuously upskill to remain future-ready. In this blog, Steven De Haes (Dean of Antwerp Management School) and Luc Luwel (CEO of Voka – Chamber of Commerce Antwerp-Waasland) share their insights on why lifelong learning is the key to long-term success.

Emerging technologies and economic shifts challenge corporates and SMEs, prompting them to partner with start-ups through corporate venturing. Successful examples, like Axel Springer's investment in Airbnb and IAC's backing of Tinder, highlight the effectiveness of these strategies.

Workplace risk factors, such as stress and lack of support, worsen mental health. Managers play a crucial role in prevention but face challenges like stigma and lack of knowledge. This study explores the experiences of managers and employees and offers practical insights to improve workplace mental health.

Download our whitepaper for practical insights on effectively contributing to better workplace mental health.