Insights

The social pillar of ESG empowers HR to put themes like diversity, well-being, and work-life balance at the heart of the sustainability agenda. By using data and collaboration, S-reporting becomes a powerful tool for shaping future-focused HR strategies.

Motivating employees requires more than external incentives, fostering autonomous motivation is key to lasting engagement. Self-Determination Theory highlights the importance of meeting three basic psychological needs, autonomy, belongingness, and competence, to enhance well-being and performance.

Digitalization is no longer a new phenomenon and plays a crucial role in the growth of virtually every organization, from business model innovation to customer focus and operational efficiency. Yet, in 2024, many organizations still view IT as a separate, operational team that simply needs to function, rather than as an important strategic component of the entire company. This is despite research from MIT Sloan Management Review showing that digitally savvy boardrooms are essential for financial success.

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.

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.

How do you create a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to participate and grow? This white paper explores the role of leadership, workplace culture, job design, and collaboration in building an inclusive work environment. Discover the key building blocks for turning inclusion from good intentions into everyday practice.
 

 

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.