The 4th edition of Talent Talks will focus on a major societal issue: helping people with long-term disabilities return to work.

Against a backdrop of federal reforms, this meeting will explore the economic, social, medical and human dimensions of professional reintegration.

The aim is to gain a better understanding of the challenges, identify the obstacles and highlight concrete solutions that reconcile health, dignity and employment, thanks to the combined perspectives of employers, mutual insurance companies, doctors, prevention advisers, well-being professionals and public authorities.

Programme :

Welcome address by Alain Heureux, Talent Talks moderator

Panel 1: Public policy, health and support for the long-term sick

Introduction to the first panel by Clara Arbesu, Director General of the INAMI Benefits Service.

Her presentation will focus on the waves of reform of the compensation insurance and work incapacity systems for employees and the self-employed, as well as data on the evolution of the number of people with incapacity and on the two main groups of pathologies: mental disorders and MSDs.

Topics covered

• The legal framework as a lever for a sustainable return to work
• Re-establishing contact with long-term sick people: towards a return to “society” ​
• How can we create an organisation where workers can give their best without long absences?
• Role and impact of the ‘Reintegration of social security beneficiaries from the INAMI’ service on the quality and sustainability of return to work.
• Available job offers, number of job seekers and long-term sick people: how can we square the circle and make the labour market more inclusive?

Panellists

• Sophie Decuypere (Actiris)
• Kris De Meester (FEB)
• Laurence Markey (Cabinet Younity)
• François Perl (Solidaris)
• Dr Philippe Swennen (Mensura)

Panel 2: Companies, workers and good reintegration practices​

Introduction to the second panel by professeur Ilan Tojerow, Professor of Economics - Director of the Dulbea | ULB

His presentation will focus on reintegration into work after a long absence for medical reasons. Based on three ongoing studies, he will examine the effects of financial incentives, the role of employers and medical advisers, and an experiment on the use of a simulator to promote a gradual return to work.

Topics covered

• Actively supporting reintegration: coaching, training, leadership
• From recovery to restarting, with tailored support and work as an integral part of the recovery process
• Gaining a detailed understanding of workers' expectations and abilities to promote a successful return
• CANcer & WORK project (BNP Paribas Fortis): a person-centred and collective approach

Panellists

• Erika Dooms (Training & Coaching Square)
• Anne-Valérie Seroen (BNP Paribas – Coach & Project Manager CANcer & WORK)
• Olivier Valentin (CGSLB)
• Miet Vanhegen (Federgon)

Practical info​rmations

• Time: 1.30 p.m.–4.30 p.m.
• Networking lunch: from 12:30 p.m. (sandwiches)
• Languages: French & Dutch
• Participation: free, registration required