Editorial by Managing Director Alexander De Beir
Where are you now?
Apologies for being intrusive. I am just wondering if you are sitting at your desk in a traditional office on a traditional 9-to-5 work schedule day. Maybe, like 22% of Belgian employees sometimes do, you chose to work from home. Or perhaps you are on your way in public transport (not driving, of course!) and you take some time to go through your emails on your smartphone.
Can you remember what your very first day of work was like? Indeed, things have probably changed a lot. And guess what: even if you can’t imagine it yet, your future model of work may evolve significantly.
A friend’s son decided quite suddenly to take a break to go travelling around the world for a three-month unpaid vacation. Although he was still in his very first job and had only been working there for just over a year, and although his boss could barely spare him, he agreed to grant him this sabbatical experience. My first reaction? What a spoiled young guy who allows himself to abandon his work to have some good time. But on second thought, I had to admit: he’s right to do so. There are still too many risk-averse young adults nowadays who prefer to feel secure rather than adventurous, who sit quietly at their desk hoping to do everything right to get a promotion.
And you, what type of young recruit would you hire?
I must admit I would be inclined to recruit the bold traveller. Self-confident enough to dare to leave a fixed job to discover the world, while also acknowledging how people work in other cultures, especially in the current world full of ever-changing geopolitical and economically related circumstances. Especially because there is a good chance he will build his own career as a job hopper, curious about new challenges he will find on his path to self-accomplishment. As long as he remains totally dedicated in each mission he commits to, helping his temporary employer move forward with his business, he can be a real asset through his sense of independence and audacity.
Rembrandt never punched a time clock
In the Golden Age, the Dutch painter managed his own studio, set his own hours, and worked on his own terms rather than adhering to a strict, industrialized schedule. He became the giant artist we still admire today. While Belgium is preparing to reinstate the mandatory registration of working time for all employers in Belgium by January 1st, 2027, I am happy to explore with you more creative models of work in Belgium and abroad that might shape our future.
