Shaping a healthy workforce through training: the role of worker representatives in Belgium

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to look at the different roles worker representatives in Belgium play when it comes to promoting adequate and accessible training policies in their companies. This topic is highly relevant, given the importance of training for shaping healthy work environments and career perspectives for workers. METHODS: Two methodological approaches were used in this study. In first instance, a survey was sent to worker representatives in two Belgian sectors with specific issues regarding work-related health: the food industry and the social profit sector. In second instance, worker representatives and HR managers from ‘good practice’ companies in both sectors were interviewed to collect more in-depth information about the role worker representatives played in shaping a healthy work environment and career perspectives for workers through their impact on the companies’ training policies. RESULTS: Our study shows that training policies of companies in both sectors are mainly aimed at improving the more direct and tangible health and safety aspects, such as injury prevention. Also, a clear inequality in training opportunities became apparent from our study. Considering the attitude and role of worker representatives, we find that they mainly take on an advisory role on the topic of training, not because of a lack of interest but because of the time-consuming nature of their other responsibilities and sometimes due to the difficult relations with management. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly shows that, although worker representatives from the food industry and social profit sector in Belgium are well aware of the importance of training to create healthy work environments and career perspectives for workers, their actions are usually ad-hoc instead of structured initiatives. Based on the findings of this study, a tool for worker representatives was created on how to get started on the topic of training in their companies. KEY MESSAGES: • Worker representatives in Belgium can be key players in facilitating safe and healthy work environments and career perspectives for workers. • Worker representatives are ideally placed to advocate for vulnerable groups of workers, who are generally offered fewer opportunities to improve their skills.