Workplaces must serve as an antidote to the growing polarisation in society over the coming months, emphasised forty leaders of businesses, universities, and NGOs in an open letter published on Thursday.
In 2025, "businesses and employees will face significant challenges and numerous economic uncertainties. All the alarm bells are ringing," noted the signatories of the open letter, referencing the record number of job losses following bankruptcies in 2024.
"The year 2025 has barely begun. Yet, as business leaders and employers, we already feel the enormous weight on our shoulders," they continued.
For these business leaders, the solution to these challenges lies in the workplace. "It is there where we form lasting relationships and show commitment, allowing everyone to thrive. Respect and mutual understanding are fundamental. Therefore, the workplace must serve as an antidote, rather than a breeding ground for resentment and blame," the letter stated.
"We must be able to look in the mirror on 1 January 2026, and say that we did everything possible to minimise the impacts of this crisis. Most importantly, that we moved forward. That we indeed built, in our workplace, a mini-community where everyone feels included and respected in their dignity," the signatories concluded.
The open letter was initiated by Leen Van den Neste, CEO of vdk bank. Among the signatories are the leaders of Adecco and Randstad groups, the rectors of KU Leuven and Ghent University, as well as the general directors of the organisations 11.11.11 and Kom op tegen Kanker.
