Flanders Jobs: Service Check Sector Lags in Workability, Motivation
Brussels — May 17, 2024 —
A recent study reveals concerning disparities in the Flanders jobs market, especially within the service check sector. The Social and Economic Council of Flanders (SERV) found that this sector struggles with significant issues pertaining to workability, learning opportunities, and motivation, contrasting with broader improvements across Flanders. The findings underscore the need for immediate action.
Flanders Jobs: Service Check Sector Lags in Workability, Motivation
A recent study by the Social and Economic Council of Flanders (SERV) reveals significant disparities in job quality across different sectors, with service check companies facing considerable challenges in workability, learning opportunities, and employee motivation.
Key Findings: A Sectoral Divide
While the overall quality of jobs in Flanders is generally improving, a closer look reveals stark differences between sectors. According to the 2023 measurement, more than half (51.8%) of Flemish employees do not experiance any workability bottlenecks. However, the service check sector presents a concerning contrast.
Did You Know?
The Flemish Workability Monitor has been tracking the quality of work in Flanders sence 2004, using large-scale surveys to assess work-related stress, motivation, learning opportunities, and work-life balance [1].
- Workability: Only 30.2% of employees in service check companies have what is considered
workable work.
- Learning Opportunities: A staggering 51.7% of service check employees report insufficient learning opportunities, considerably higher than the Flemish average of 13.6%.
- Motivation: Motivation problems are much more prevalent in service voucher companies (37.8%) compared to the entire Flemish labor market (18.8%).
- Absenteeism: The service check sector experiences almost double the absenteeism rate of the rest of Flanders.
Work-Life Balance: A Partial Respite
The study indicates that work-life balance in the service check sector (10.6%) is roughly in line with the Flemish average of 12.9%. However, this figure is nuanced by the fact that only 27.2% of service check employees work full-time, compared to 67.9% in the broader Flemish labor market.
Expert Insights
The Social and Economic Council of Flanders (SERV), a consultation and advisory body of trade unions and employers, highlights the urgent need for improvement in the service check sector.The SERV notes that these companies are doing remarkably bad
in providing learning opportunities.
Pro Tip
Employers can improve workability by focusing on factors such as job content, working conditions, employer-employee relations, and skills progress. Regular assessments and employee feedback can help identify and address specific issues.
Ongoing Negotiations
Trade unions and employers in the service check sector have been engaged in negotiations for months, seeking to improve remuneration for household helpers. Further consultation is scheduled for May 20.
The Bigger Picture: Flemish Workability
The Flemish Workability Monitor, which began in 2004, aims to provide a complete assessment of job quality in the Flanders region [3].While the 2007 monitor showed a slight increase in workability between 2004 and 2007, a significant percentage of Flemish employees still face workability challenges [2].
Although the workability rate in the Flanders region of Belgium has slightly increased between 2004 and 2007, 45.9% of Flemish employees still experience workability problems.
Eurofound
FAQ: Understanding Workability in flanders
- What is the Flemish workability Monitor?
- It is a survey conducted every three years to measure work-related stress, motivation, learning opportunities, and work-life balance in Flanders [1].
- What are the main issues in the service check sector?
- Low workability, insufficient learning opportunities, high motivation problems, and high absenteeism.
- What is being done to address these issues?
- Trade unions and employers are negotiating for better remuneration and working conditions for household helpers.