At the end of last year, Nathalie Arteel had the privilege of being front row at the prestigious Company of the Year event, organized by De Tijd, EY, and BNP Paribas Fortis.
As Arteel’s leading angel, Nathalie interviewed the winner Willy Naessens, as well as several other nominees and top entrepreneurs from companies such as Ageas Group, Sioen Industries, Soudal, OMP, Spaas Kaarsen, Smartfin, Van Moer Logistics, Aliaxis, and Loop Earplugs.
She asked them one key question:
👉 How do you succeed in building a strong connection with your employees and customers?
And equally important:
👉 Why do you think this is the key to their lasting loyalty?
Discover the four key pieces of advice that emerged almost unanimously from the answers of top Belgian entrepreneurs:
1. Be grateful and recognize achievements.
By putting gratitude and recognition at the center of your HR strategy, you not only increase engagement but also boost productivity and reduce absenteeism. People are placed at the heart of the organization.
2. Put your values into practice.
Emphasize embodying your company values to anchor them in the DNA of every employee.
3. Reward positive behavior.
Focus on exemplary behavior and key milestones. This leads to positive outcomes that align with both the organizational culture and KPIs.
4. Develop a vision that goes beyond financial growth.
Connect people to a higher purpose — a “why.” Help them understand how their contributions make a difference, fostering stronger engagement and internal growth.
