The First 90 Days: How to Build Trust Between Executive and Works Council
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” — Ernest Hemingway As HR Director at Aegon, I’ve experienced it many times: a new executive or a newly elected works council. The moment new faces appear at the table, a fresh dynamic emerges along with new expectations and, sometimes, […]
Starting a Works Council? 5 opportunities you can’t afford to miss

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 […]
Three roles of the Works Council Chair: Setting direction, building influence,and fostering connection
The role of a Works Council Chair is complex You don’t hold a formal leadership position within the council. Everyone is elected, and everyone is equal. And yet, the council often looks to you for direction, structure, and guidance. While you’re not a manager in the traditional sense, much depends on how you shape your […]
