In this episode, Jasper Hoffstedde and Dennis Veldhuizen shed light on the works council’s purpose and added value in the decision-making process. For U.S.-based listeners, Dennis’ quick side-by-side comparison of union vs works council rights may be of interest. Furthermore, all of the basics are explained: when and how to set up a works council, when to actually involve the works council, and who should serve as point of contact to the works council? What is a works council? A works council is an independent participation and co-determination body within the employer’s organization, meant to keep both the employer’s and employees’ interests in check. Companies that generally employ 50 people or more are obliged to install a works council. At the same time, many companies do not comply with this obligation out of a perceived fear of losing the ability to make swift business decisions. As discussed here, the opposite is mostly true, and, more importantly, failing to set up a works council where there is a legal obligation to do so may have even further-reaching consequences in frustrating the decision-making process.