Belgium: “Don’t ask me to be a rep”

Belgian companies face a shortage of candidates for social elections, with one-third of companies unable to hold elections due to a lack of interest. The absence of candidates is particularly evident among young people under 25 and managers/supervisors.

Why it matters: The low participation in social elections raises concerns about the representation of employees' interests. It highlights potential issues with communication between management and employees. Employees may be reluctant to take on the responsibility of being a representative due to the impact on their personal and family time.

The big picture: This survey reveals the unique dynamics within Belgian companies, where informal relationships between management and employees may mitigate the need for formal representation.

What's next: Companies facing a lack of candidates may need to reevaluate their engagement strategies and address concerns about work-life balance to encourage employee participation in future elections.

The bottom line: The shortage of candidates for social elections in Belgium raises questions about the changing dynamics of employee representation and highlights the influence of social media as an alternative platform for expressing views and concerns.