Growth brings opportunity.
For tech, fintech and other scale-ups reaching the 50-employee threshold, establishing a Works Council (WC) isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a chance to actively involve employees in shaping the organization’s future.
A well-functioning Works Council helps organizations make better decisions, strengthen support among employees, and build long-term resilience. But how do you make sure your newly formed council not only starts off right, but also creates real impact?
Here are five key opportunities — with practical steps — you don’t want to miss.
1. From activism to strategic influence
As a new Works Council, it’s essential to think carefully about how you position yourself in relation to management and the organization’s strategy.
You can (and should) act as an equal discussion partner: contributing to strategic choices while safeguarding employee interests. In practice, however, we often see new councils unintentionally adopt a more oppositional stance. That mindset can actually undermine your influence.
How we help:
We train and guide Works Councils in constructive dialogue; learning to think ahead, ask the right questions, and influence without conflict.
Your approach:
- Take time to define how you want to position your council.
- Decide what tone and attitude you want in discussions with management.
- Be consistent, especially when the conversation gets tough.
2. Create focus — and real impact
New councils often start with a long list of plans and priorities. Meanwhile, members already have busy jobs. The risk? Ambition without traction.
In one training session with a tech company’s Works Council, the key insight was simple: “Less is more.” By focusing on just two or three central themes per year, their effectiveness skyrocketed and the workload became manageable.
How we help:
We support councils in developing a practical annual plan with clear, achievable priorities.
Your approach:
- Focus on a small number of key themes.
- Work with clarity and commitment.
- Set and communicate your top priorities for the year.
3. Turn knowledge into power
Understanding the Dutch Works Councils Act (WOR) unlocks influence others often miss. Legal insight strengthens your position at the table.
For instance, can you recognize early on whether a decision requires formal advice or consent from the council? When you do, you gain influence at the stage when decisions are still being shaped.
How we help:
We provide targeted training on how to apply your advice and consent rights and leverage the full potential of the WOR.
Your approach:
- Make sure every council member understands your legal rights and opportunities under the WOR.
- Regularly apply and discuss this knowledge in ongoing decision-making.
4. Strengthen the relationship with management
A Works Council that builds a professional and respectful relationship with management lays the foundation for trust. When you demonstrate that you are a knowledgeable, constructive, and reliable partner. One who adds value by representing employees’ perspectives consistently . By doing so, your informal influence grows as well.
How we help:
We coach both councils and management teams in building constructive collaboration and strengthening your role with authority, expertise, and credibility.
Your approach:
- Invest in both formal and informal contact and follow through on commitments.
- Bring in the employee perspective proactively.
- Regularly review collaboration agreements to keep expectations clear.
5. Build support through communication
Active and transparent communication with employees builds visibility, trust, and legitimacy. By showing what you’re working on and asking for input you position the council as a relevant and reliable voice.
How we help:
We help councils design effective communication strategies and provide practical tools and formats for dialogue, from short updates to interactive sessions that engage employees.
Your approach:
- Create a communication plan with regular updates and opportunities for dialogue.
- Involve employees in key themes and show how their feedback influences outcomes.
Conclusion
As a new Works Council, you have a unique opportunity to become a driving force for a healthy, agile, and future-ready organization.
By working strategically, staying focused, mastering your legal foundation, building strong relationships, and communicating openly, you’ll unlock the full potential of employee participation.
At CouncilWorks, we help councils seize those opportunities from day one and grow into confident, effective partners in decision-making
We believe that strong employee participation leads to better decisions and ultimately, stronger organizations.