Influencers are everywhere — from Instagram and TikTok to YouTube. But behind every like and post, there’s a growing web of legal obligations.

In this new episode of Employment Talks, host Kato Aerts sits down with Sarah Witvrouw to explore the legal status of influencers and the rise of kidfluencers.

🔹 When does influencing become a professional activity?
🔹 What are the tax and social security obligations?
🔹 Can children legally appear in paid content?
🔹 And how is Belgian law adapting to this digital evolution?

📌 A must-listen for HR professionals, legal advisors, content creators — and anyone curious about the legal framework behind the influencer economy.

In episode 25 of Employment Talks, Lydian’s employment law podcast, Kato Aerts, Employment Partner, welcomes Thomas De keersmaecker, Associate in our Employment, Pensions & Benefits team, to discuss one of the most significant upcoming labour law reforms in Belgium: the abolition of SWT (Unemployment with Company Supplement).

What exactly is SWT, who can still benefit from it, and why has the government decided to phase it out as of 30 June 2025?

In this episode, we cover:

✔️ What SWT entails and who is eligible

✔️ The latest updates following the Group of 10 agreement

✔️ The reasoning behind the reform

✔️ What the abolition means in practice for employers and employees

A must-listen for HR professionals, employers and anyone involved in workforce planning.

In this episode, Kato Aerts, Employment Partner, sits down with Penelope Desmet, Associate in our Employment, Pensions & Benefits team, to discuss a crucial topic: employment plans for older employees.

With the deadline fast approaching, companies with more than 20 employees must submit an employment plan aimed at keeping professionals aged 45+ in the workforce. But what does this mean in practice?

✔️ What measures can employers implement to support older employees?

✔️ How can businesses comply with the Collective Labour Agreement No. 104?

✔️ What are the consequences of non-compliance?

This episode breaks down the legal framework, practical steps, and key takeaways to ensure businesses are prepared.

With Brussels at the heart of Europe, Belgium stands out as one of the countries with the highest number of seconded workers compared to its neighbours. But what does this mean for employers and employees navigating Belgian employment law? ⚖️

In our podcast’s 23rd episode, Kato Aerts, our host and Employment Partner, teams up with Alexandra Stoica, Associate in our Employment team, to tackle key questions such as:

- What are the key rules for working and residing in Belgium?

- How does Belgium accommodate workers from the EEA and third countries?

- When is a visa required, and how does the application process work?

- What are the different types of permits (European Blue Card, single permit, etc.)?

In our latest episode, hostKato Aerts, Employment Partner at Lydian, is joined byKatrien Coenen, Senior Associate in our 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦, to explore the new labor law measures following the formation of Belgium’s new government.

Together, they break down the 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 that will impact businesses and employees alike, including:

✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 – time-limited unemployment benefits, family credit, and TeleTRAINwork

✅ 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – annualized hours, relaxed working time restrictions, and extended voluntary overtime

✅ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 – reintroduction of probationary periods and severance pay caps

✅ 𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 – new employer contributions and sanctions for non-cooperation

✅ 𝐖𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 – retention of automatic indexation, bonus system reforms, and mobility budgets

✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝 & 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬

💡 Gain 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 on how these changes will shape employment law and what companies should do to stay ahead.

In the second episode of 2025, our host Kato Aerts, Employment Partner, is joined by Sarah Witvrouw, Associate in our Employment Team, to unravel the complexities of salary indexation.

In this episode, they tackle some of the most pressing topics:

✅ Mandatory nature of salary indexation
✅ Potential ways to bypass a mandatory salary indexation
✅ ...

They also share tips & tricks for employers considering merit increases at company level. 💡

Start the new year with a must-listen episode! Kato Aerts, Employment Partner, and Marie Verhaert, Associate in our Employment team, discuss how alcohol-related issues can impact the workplace.

Topics include: ✅ The difference between drunkenness and alcohol intoxication.
✅ Handling inappropriate behavior at workplace celebrations, like a Christmas party.
✅ Managing situations where drunkenness causes harm to the employer or company.
✅ What happens if an employee causes an accident with a company car while intoxicated—can this lead to dismissal for cause?
✅ …and much more!

In our 19th podcast episode, Kato Aerts, our host and Employment Partner, teams up with Isabel Plets, Of Counsel in our Employment team, to unravel the key points where GDPR meets employee dismissals. Together, they tackle pressing questions such as:

✅ How come GDPR relates to HR?

✅ What is the first thing an employer should be cautious about when dismissing an employee?

✅ What else should employers bear in mind during the dismissal process?

✅ What about the employee’s mail account—can it simply be forwarded to another employee?

In our podcast’s 18th episode, Kato Aerts, our host and Employment Partner, teams up with Emilie Struyf, Associate in our Employment team, to explain the importance of a healthy working environment which cannot be underestimated nowadays.

During this episode, we discuss the most important obligations in the workplace, the facilities that should be in place, things the employer should think about, rules regarding gender-neutral toilets and much more.

In our podcast’s 17th episode, Kato Aerts, our host and Employment Partner, teams up with Katrien Coenen, Senior Associate in our Employment team, to dive into the topic of working time.

The daylight-saving time last Saturday, whereby the clock was set back by one hour to standard time, provides for the perfect occasion. During this episode we will explain what happens if an employee does not respect the daily working hours. What are the possible consequences for the employee? And for the company? Should a company have a working time registration system in place? As working time is a complex topic and will always depend on the specific rules applicable on sector and company level, we will mainly discuss the general rules, illustrated by specific examples.

As we continue exploring the intricacies of employment law, it’s crucial to stay informed about the ever-evolving landscape of non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.

In our podcast’s 16th episode, Kato Aerts, our host and Employment Partner, teams up with Alexandra Stoica, Associate in our Employment team, to break down these clauses.

In this episode, we tackle key questions such as:

1. What are the main legal requirements for a valid non-compete clause under Belgian law?

2. How can companies protect themselves when employees take up new positions with competitors?

3. What are non-solicitation clauses, and how do they differ from non-compete clauses?

Join us as we delve into the legal framework that governs these clauses, ensuring a balance between protecting employers' interests and safeguarding employees' rights.

As we navigate the complexities of social media in the workplace, it's crucial to understand the implications it has on employer-employee relationships.

In our podcast's 15th episode, we delve into the topic "Retaliation Unmasked: Employers vs. Voices from the Past," featuring Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, alongside Marie Verhaert, Associate in our Employment team.

In this episode, we answer pressing questions about social media's impact post-employment:

1. What can be done if a former employee spreads confidential information on social media?

2. What constitutes unfair competition in the context of social media interactions between former employees and clients?

3. What should companies include in their employment contracts to protect their interests?

Stay tuned to learn more about the legal frameworks involved and the rights and obligations of both employers and employees!

In our podcast's 14th episode, we explore the impact of social media in the workplace with Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, and Penelope Desmet, Junior Associate in our Employment team. As social media continues to blur the lines between personal and professional life, this topic is more relevant than ever. During this episode, we discuss the challenges and legal implications of social media use at work, including privacy concerns, and the balance between freedom of speech and company loyalty.

🗓️ Mark your calendars to stay ahead with our bi-weekly episodes.

Let's navigate the world of employment law together! 🚀

In our podcast's 13th episode, we explore the impact of social media in the workplace with Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, and Emilie Struyf, Junior Associate in our Employment team. As social media continues to blur the lines between personal and professional life, this topic is more relevant than ever. During this episode, we discuss the challenges and legal implications of social media use at work, including privacy concerns, and the balance between freedom of speech and company loyalty.

Whether you're an HR professional or a manager, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of social media in the employment context. Tune in to learn how to address these challenges and protect both your employees' rights and your company's interests.

In our podcast's 12th episode, we delve into the topic of extra-contractual liability in the employment relationship with Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, and Liesbet Claessen, Associate in our Employment team. This is currently a hot topic due to the recent publication and upcoming entry into force of the new Book 6 of the Civil Code, which impacts almost all branches of law including employment law. During this episode we will explain the impact of Book 6 on the potential extra-contractual liability of employees. As this may seem a technical and complex topic at first, we will use an example situation to illustrate the practical application.

Whether you're an HR professional, or a manager, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the potential liability of employees if their actions cause damage to a third party. Tune in to gain practical insights for learning key items in this respect.

As summer is in full swing, many of us are planning our long-awaited vacations. Sometimes however, holiday plans can get disrupted by strikes of airport staff or airlines staff.

In our podcast's 11th episode, we delve into the topic "striking", featuring Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, alongside Penelope Desmet, Associate in our Employment team.

In this episode, we answer pressing questions about the right to strike: Is there a procedure that needs to be followed to organize a strike? What is the role of a trade union? Does the employee have a right to get paid while striking? What actions can an employer undertake?...

Stay tuned to learn more about how strikes are organized, the legal frameworks involved and the rights and obligations of both the employer and employees!

In our podcast’s 10th episode, we dive into the topic of vacation and summer events with Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, and Sarah Witvrouw, Associate in our Employment team.

Every summer the same type of questions pop up in the minds of employees and employer: how do we determine our vacation days? What happens if the flight is cancelled and the employee cannot return to work in time? Is an employee ever really disconnected during his or her holiday? And what do you do with drunken employees on a summer event? In this episode we delve into each of these key concerns.

In our podcast's 9th episode, join Kato Aerts, our host and Employment Partner, and Alexandra Stoica, Associate in our Employment team, as they delve into the practical aspects of remote working abroad.

With summer just around the corner, they discuss key points for employers facing employees eager for a "workcation." Topics include applicable labour laws, social security regulations, and essential tax considerations.

Whether you're an HR professional or a manager, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of remote work abroad. Tune in to gain practical insights and prepare for a seamless workcation experience.

In our podcast's 8th episode, we delve into the rules governing collective dismissals in Belgium, featuring Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, alongside Estelle Renard, Counsel in our Employment team.

During this episode we will discuss the definition of a collective dismissal, the rules to be observed in the event of a collective dismissal and possible pitfalls in this respect. Between January and March 2024 alone, 16 collective dismissals were announced, potentially affecting a total of more than 2.500 employees. Some of these announcements caused quite a stir in the press, reminding us once again that this is still a topical issue.

Whether you're an HR professional, or a manager, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of collective dismissals. Tune in to gain practical insights for learning key items in this respect.

In our podcast's 7th episode, we explore the topic "Toxic Leadership" with Kato Aerts, our podcast host and Employment Partner, and Katrien Coenen, Senior Associate in our Employment team.

Last month, the social inspection services initiated an investigation at the Flemish public radio and television broadcaster following the publication of an anonymous open letter by three employees. The letter addressed issues of toxic leadership, harassment, favoritism, and bullying within the higher ranks of the organization. In this episode, we delve into what employees and companies can do when faced with toxic leadership.