Flemish Minister of Integration and Civic Integration Hilde Crevits presents the Integration Alliance today: a new and unique partnership between companies and the Flemish government that works on language and integration at work. The initiative brings together 12 committed companies who, by sharing their experiences and good practices, want to build a workplace where diversity and equal opportunities are central. Among others, Colruyt Group, Family Aid, Infrabel and Decathlon are already pioneers from the very start.
A response to a double challenge
The Flemish labour market has been struggling with two persistent problems for years: a structural labour shortage as well as an underutilization of the talent of newcomers, who often have strong competencies and professional experience. The Integration Alliance wants to close that gap. And it pays off, too, says Flemish Minister of Integration and Civic Integration Hilde Crevits: “Companies that already commit to language, workplace learning or inclusive HR policies today show that investing in newcomers pays off both economically and socially. They create engaged employees, more stable teams and a greater influx of motivated talent.”
12 ambassadors
The strength of the Integration Alliance is in the companies themselves. A group of 12 ambassadors is taking the lead: They share their experiences, build support and prove through their own practice that investing in language and integration pays off. They know what works, where there are still frictions and where there are opportunities. As pioneers, they want to inspire other businesses - large and small - to do the same.
These pioneers are the following: Decospan, Westvlees, Colruyt Group, Infrabel, Kliniek Sint-Jan, Timmerwerkt, Agristo, Kiemkracht, Nektari, Group Bruno, Familiehulp and Decathlon.
For Familiehulp (Family Aid), diversity has been a reality for many years: “Our employees have more than 100 nationalities while we also encounter the most diverse beliefs and backgrounds among the more than 80,000 people and families who rely on us." For this reason, Family Aid is making the strategic choice to commit to an active diversity policy in word and deed. Among other things, we offer courses with additional language support, and we are committed to accessible language. This, meanwhile, has created a win-win: good communication between our employees and clients increases the quality of care, and as an organization we have been able to generate an improved influx of employees”.
An Vanneste, responsible for Learning & Development at Colruyt Group explains why they are committed to the Integration Alliance: At Colruyt Group everyone counts, diversity just makes us stronger: we believe in the richness of difference. Language is an important aspect here, and a common language allows everyone to participate. As the largest private employer in Belgium, we are convinced that we can really make a difference here."
Gilbert Dadzie, an employee at Solucious, Colruyt Group's foodservice specialist, and a newcomer with another mother tongue, is also satisfied with the approach and happy with where he is now: “At Colruyt Group, I had the opportunity to work in different departments at Solucious. It was not just a job, but a path to integration. I get Dutch lessons there during working hours and can immediately put my Dutch into practice with colleagues. That way I make faster progress."
The Integration Alliance is an initiative of the Agentschap Binnenlands Bestuur (ABB) (Agency for Home Affairs) in partnership with the Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering (AgII) (Agency for Integration and Civic Integration), Amal, Atlas and the House of Dutch in Brussels. The 12 ambassador companies represent employers, but the intention in the future is to mobilize as many other companies as possible around the theme. “This is just the beginning," says Flemish Minister Hilde Crevits. “We want more companies to join the Integration Alliance so that together we create a broad and powerful movement. The more companies participate, the greater the impact.”
What does the Integration Alliance offer?
The alliance supports companies with concrete, useful and impactful tool
Practical and targeted support: Employers will have access to guidance and tools around language and integration in the workplace. This may include customized advice, training, coaching, or sharing methodologies that have proven successful in other companies.
A digital platform: A digital platform is being built where employers can quickly and easily access support offerings. On this platform, they can find information about available services, apply for support, and access relevant documents and contacts.
Inspiring stories: The Alliance is spreading testimonials from companies that are already making a difference today. Those stories are shared through the platform, newsletters, events and social media and show what works, where the challenges are and what impact inclusive policies have.
