Colleagues Sofiane (Jobs & Interim), Julie (Outsourcing), Brent (Payroll Services) and Emily (Service Vouchers) feature on the cover
Flowers, just for you!
From household help to office consultant Add your favourite songs to our playlist A refreshing summer couscous salad recipe
With summer just around the corner, this is a perfect time to share a new edition of Happy magazine with you. As always, it is a warm invitation to take a break and enjoy some lovely stories from our Daenens family.
In this edition, we proudly focus on the 20 June Cleaning Day when we thank all our household helps for their daily commitments. New this year? An invitation to a cheerful drink in all our offices - a great moment to celebrate together and toast your work, your efforts, and above all, your impact. I sincerely hope that you will all stop by and raise your glasses together! We are also organising our Compliments Campaign again, so do take a look at www. dagvandeschoonmaak.be.
This issue also reveals how versatile our group has become. Today, Daenens not only stands for Daenens Dienstencheques but also for Daenens Jobs & Interim, Payroll Services and Outsourcing. Four branches, one shared mission: putting people first and working together with a focus on quality, commitment and trust.
What makes this magazine really stand out are the stories that show what Daenens really stands for. Take, for example, the inspiring journey of Marie-Thérèse, who arrived
in Belgium, started to work as a household help and, with the support of Véronique, became an office consultant. This story is all about providing opportunities, showing faith and supporting each other. Not to mention it is topped off with a beautiful baby girl who was named after Véronique and became her godmother too.
We are also highlighting colleagues who have been on board for 15 years and more. Feelings of respect, gratitude and admiration do not even come close to adequately honour this kind of loyal commitment.
Looking back at the employee satisfaction survey, I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated. Your feedback not only provides us with insights into what is going well, but more importantly, it guides and helps us to continue growing and improving.
I wish each and every one of you a wonderful summer, with lots of relaxation, sunshine and happy moments. Thank you for everything you do, every day. Together we make a difference.
Greetings,
Flowers, just for you!
CLEANING DAY 2025
As Nico nicely points out in his letter, Cleaning Day is coming up again soon! On 20 June, our household helps will be honoured and rightly so. To be honest, without you many families’ lives would run a lot less efficient and smooth.
After all, domestic workers bring peace to the home: they help elderly people to live independently at home for longer, ease loneliness, relieve pressure on working families and allow many people to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In short: you are of invaluable social importance.
COLOURFUL THEME
At Daenens, we appreciate your commitment every day, but on 20 June, we go the extra mile and will shine a spotlight on it. Just as flowers light up a house, you too add colour and care to your customers' lives. This year's theme could truly not have been more fitting: ‘Flowers, just for you.’
As always, we will be celebrating Cleaning Day with a big compliments campaign. So make sure to keep a close eye on your letterbox, mobile phone, mailbox and our social media over the next few days! No doubt there is a nice message waiting, just for you...
CHEERS!
Of course, we also hope to welcome you all at the summer drinks in our offices. On this occasion, we we will be putting our campaign words into action. Summer drinks provide a per-
fect opportunity to start the summer holiday period together with your colleagues. You should already have received your invitation. As always, if you have any questions, please contact your consultant in the office.
P.S. Please feel free to share your photos on social media with the hashtag #InDeBloemetjesBijDaenens and tag @daenenshappy. Together, we will make it a bright and colourful day!
So much more than Daenens Dienstencheques
Many of you know Group Daenens primarily through our well-known brand, Daenens Dienstencheques. No wonder when you – our valued household helps – are such an important part of our organisation. However, Group Daenens has much more to offer! We are one of the leading service vouchers companies and a solid HR partner for many other sectors. Being a part of this large network creates a lot of interesting opportunities — not just for you, but maybe also for your partner, siblings and children!
From brand to family
Surely, you may already have noticed that several companies within our group were renamed last year. Daenens Dienstencheques is one example, but several other branches now include the Daenens name too. Why? Because we are stronger together as one big family. This makes it clear to everyone that we belong together and support each other.
This is what we do!
DAENENS SERVICE VOUCHERS
This is our biggest and best-known branch — and your employer, of course! We ensure that household helps like you can work in a safe, correct and enjoyable way in people's homes. We know that happy employees make happy families. Our slogan? Happy work, happy life.
DAENENS JOBS & INTERIM
Do you know someone who is looking for temporary work? At Daenens Jobs & Interim, we help people to find work quickly, for example as administrative assistants, technicians or warehouse operatives. Holiday job seekers and students are also welcome. Our slogan? Work that matters, the only way to ensure meaningful jobs.
DAENENS OUTSOURCING
We place technical and industrial profiles to work in other companies on a long-term basis. Already more than 60 skilled technicians are at hand to fill up any technical shortage at companies in West and East Flanders. We strive to provide quality, stability and satisfied employees. Our slogan? Tech with a smile.
DAENENS PAYROLL SERVICES
Do you know a self-employed person or someone who owns a small business, whether it is an acquaintance, customer or family member? Could they use some support with their employee administration? We help with payroll processing, contracts and staff management. As a recognised social agency, we are a reliable partner for any organisation and we do so in a personal, correct and committed way: Payroll with a human touch.
Group Daenens, jobs for the whole family
Group Daenens is here for you and your family. Perhaps you are working as a household help with Daenens Dienstencheques and your partner is ready to start working as a technician for Daenens Outsourcing. Who knows, we may even help your children to find cool student jobs via Daenens Jobs & Interim!
As you can see, Group Daenens is open to people in all stages of life. Whether you are starting, restarting, learning or growing - we think along with you. Want to find out more? Take a look at www. daenens.be and discover our other business branches. Together, we are Daenens. Together, we move forward.
A special bond for life: from household help to office consultant
Daenens believes in giving opportunities, supporting people and growing together. Sometimes this creates wonderful stories that prove we really are more than just a company. The case of consultant Marie-Thérèse and regional manager Véronique is a great example.
For 10 years, Marie-Thérèse lived in Cameroon with her son while her husband was working in Belgium. Every year, he visited his family, hoping that one day they could build a life together in Belgium. That dream finally came true in August 2023 when MarieThérèse and her son were able to move to Belgium and their family was reunited.
ROLLING UP THOSE SLEEVES
Newly arrived in Belgium, Marie-Thérèse wanted to start working immediately, so she began as a household help at Glax Etterbeek in September 2023. From day one, her motivation was unparalleled. Her enthusiasm, perseverance and commitment caught the eye not only of her clients, who all gave her raving feedback, but also of her office manager, Véronique.
However, when a vacancy for office consultant opened up at Glax Etterbeek, Marie-Thérèse doubted whether she was ready for that next, big step. Fortunately, Véronique saw more than Marie-Thérèse dared to believe at the time. She expressed her confidence, encouraged her to apply and sincerely believed in her competencies. Strengthened by this support and her own determination, Marie-Thérèse successfully passed the selection procedure and in February 2024, she proudly
started as a consultant at Glax Etterbeek, an opportunity she took on with both hands.
A SURPRISING TURN OF EVENTS
To Marie-Thérèse, Véronique was so much more than a manager. Véronique was the first person in Belgium who really gave her a chance, supported her and believed in her. This special bond took on an even deeper meaning when Marie-Thérèse recently became a mother. To show her gratitude and appreciation, she decided to name her daughter after Véronique, who proudly became the baby girl’s godmother too.
This story is a wonderful example of all that Daenens stands for: one big family, where we grow together, provide opportunities and support each other. In the end, it’s the people who make all the difference!
Meet our household helps
3 of 3
Daenens is a diverse group of people working day in and day out to take care of families. We all have our own background and experience, constituting an invaluable asset together. In the previous editions of Happy, we introduced fellow household helps who have been working with us for 0 to 10 years, and then also from 11 to years. In this final part, Happy features some of our most experienced colleagues who have more than 15 years of seniority.
Jemima
employed for 16 years works 37 hours per week
St-Niklaas
Why choose a job as household help?
“I like to clean and a job in the service voucher sector was ideal for me at the time, in combination with my five children. I like a clean house, both in my own home and at my customers, so this job is right up my street.”
Customers at home or the house all to yourself?
"It does not really matter to me but I have all easy-going customers, so I like them at home. My oldest customer is 87, my youngest 30, so some are home more than others. I have also learnt Dutch through my clients this way. When they are at home, we communicate and that's how I learned the language.”
Favourite cleaning tip?
“I wouldn't immediately recommend a product or material, but my tip is to always listen to your customer. Every customer has different habits and likes you to brush this way or that. Even though I would do things differently myself, I always listen to the customer. And I have customers from the very beginning, so I guess they appreciate my approach.”
By car or by bike?
“Both. Usually by bike but if my husband is at home, I take the car. Cycling keeps me fitter, of course.”
Hobbies?
“I love to sing! I used to sing in a gospel choir. I am of Ghanaian descent, so gospel is in my DNA. I also often sing while cleaning and my customers like that. To keep fit, I also go to the gym regularly.”
What about the name change?
“For me, the name doesn't matter much. I used to work at Plus Home Services and it had also changed its name before that. As long as I can keep cleaning, I'm happy.”
Heidi
employed for 22 years works 12 hours per week Zulte
Why choose a job as household help?
“I started in 2003. Before that, I worked in a shift system, but with a husband who is self-employed and a small child, this was not ideal. I joined GreenHouse because, as a cleaner, I have flexible hours that can be combined with my family.”
Customers from the very beginning?
“Definitely! I only work 12 hours now but I have one customer I have been visiting since 2003 and another since 2004. I've been going to my third client since 2014, so that's a long time too. It obviously creates a close bond when you visit people like them weekly for all those years.”
What do you enjoy most?
“I have one client for whom I combine cooking and ironing and I love it. I cook their traditional dishes, but also occasionally conjure up dishes by Pascale Naessens or Sandra Bekkari. The fact that I don't always have to clean also makes the job less demanding physically.”
Favourite cleaning tools?
“Definitely! I am a big fan of the Squeegee, a flexible floor wiper that reaches even the most difficult nooks and corners and rotates smoothly.”
Hobbies?
“I love to cook, so you could say that I have now somewhat made my hobby my profession. I also love travelling. My husband and I have a second home in Murcia, Spain, and we go there often.”
Future plans?
“I obviously hope to stay fit and healthy for a long time so that I can do my job for as long as possible. I do also dream of travelling far away. We go to Spain regularly now, but I secretly want to go to America or visit Eastern cultures one day.”
Sylvie
employed for 18 years works 20 hours per week
Ieper
Why choose a job as household help?
“I wanted a job where I could work with people and offer help. Besides, cleaning is really my hobby, so that's why I chose a job in the service voucher industry.”
Clients from the beginning?
“I have clients where I have been going for 15 years. I feel really close to them and we have a trusting relationship. Some clients are at home when I clean, others are not, but that doesn't matter to me. Because I have been going for a long time, I always know exactly what to do. You know, I clean at my clients' homes as well as I would clean for myself.”
Favourite cleaning tools?
“I am a huge fan of Dettol products because they are also hygienic. In combination with a good anti-scaling product and an all-purpose cleaner, I can really do all the cleaning work.”
Hobbies?
“I have been an amateur dramatist for over 10 years and participated in several plays such as the Bakelandt musical and some shows for Saint Nicholas. I also take part in the Witches Parade in Beselare. I am not a real traveller but this year I will work as a volunteer at the folk festival in Dranouter and meet diverse people in
a party atmosphere.”
Any wishes for you?
“I hope I will be able to work at Daenens for many more years and that I will keep the incredible relationship with my customers. I also look forward to meeting Nico Daenens in person one day.”
Valerie
employed for 20 years works 28 hours per week
Kortrijk
Why choose a job as household help?
“I think I - like so many others - chose the job because of the security and flexibility. I first worked at Barco, but did not get a permanent contract there. After my son was born, I wanted job security and a job that was compatible with my family. That's how I ended up at Makkie and I have never left.”
Apparently a family tradition?
“Indeed! I also inspired my two sisters who now work at Daenens too. By the way, I would recommend the job to anyone because our consultants are always so understanding regarding our home situation.”
Customers at home or the house all to yourself?
“I don't really care, I am happy as long as I can continue working at my own pace and they don't walk through my recent cleaning work."
Favourite cleaning tools?
“In terms of products, I am not selective. A high-quality all-purpose cleaner and anti-scaling product will get you a long way. I do advise my customers to always have enough microfibre cloths and mops in the house. I like cleaning with clean cloths and, after my operation for carpal tunnel syndrome, I can no longer wring out my mop very well, so I follow up with a dry mop. It is not only better for the joints, but it also dries much faster.”
Hobbies?
“I love spending time with my family. I have a 21-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter. With her, I do typical mommy-daughter things like going to the cinema, shopping ... I also love reading.”
The name change?
“I think it is a positive evolution, it makes things clear from the start. Before, the offices all had different names; now there is much more recognisability with one name.”
Maria Chiara employed for 21 years and about to retire works 19 hours per week Liège
Why choose a job as household help?
“I quit school at 17. That was still common back then and I started working straight away. Before I started at Daenens, I also worked in
the service voucher sector. I even managed a large ironing centre with 45 employees.”
Easy to reach customers?
“I usually go by bus, but now that my husband is retired, he sometimes takes me by car. ”
Retiring soon!
“Yes, that's right! I have had health issues for years but always kept working because I loved my job. As my retirement approaches, I am really looking forward to taking care of my grandchildren.”
Favourite cleaning tools?
" I have two products I can't live without: vinegar and Dreft’s dishwashing liquid. You know, I actually clean at my clients as I clean at home and they appreciate that. For example, I have a client where I have been going for 18 years.”
Hobbies?
“I really enjoy cooking. I am of Italian origin so I love to make pasta dishes. But now I am also taking a patisserie course so I can perfect myself in this. I do hear that my tiramisu is delicious.”
The name change?
"For me, it's not about the name on the window, but about the people and the care we provide. I just really hope that after I retire, my clients will again be well served by someone from Daenens."
Let’s answer your important questions
How do you calculate my holiday entitlement and holiday pay?
To calculate your holiday entitlement and pay in 2025, we look at the days you have worked in 2024 (= the holiday service year), with some absences being equated to days worked. For labourers, the National Annual Holiday Service (the RJV/ONVA) takes care of the final calculation and payment.
Note that not every absence is equated. For example, long-term illness (longer than one year), time credit, parental leave and leave without pay do not count towards the calculation of your holiday pay and entitlement.
Which training courses can I follow?
Daenens offers a wide range of training courses. Be sure to take advantage of them because they allow you to develop further in your job and learn new skills.
How about the holiday pay in 2025 for household helps?
Good question! To make sure you are well informed, here is a brief explanation of how holiday entitlement and holiday pay are calculated.
If you started working for us in 2025, we will need your holiday certificate to calculate your holiday entitlement correctly. As soon as you receive this attestation, please send it to your coordinator.
When
is my holiday pay paid out?
Your holiday pay is paid between 2 May and 30 June 2025. You will receive your overall holiday certificate, your account statement and your tax slip when your holiday pay is paid.
Useful site: www.rjv.fgov.be
On the RJV website (www.rjv.fgov.be), you can log in to ‘My holiday account’. Among other things, you will find:
• The amount of your holiday allowance
• The date of the scheduled holiday pay-out
• The balance of your accrued holiday entitlement
• Your account number (you can enter, check and change it there too)
In your personal space you can also communicate a correspondence address and download certificates. Quick and easy!
Among other things, we offer courses in:
• Ergonomics: Prevent wrist injuries and work more efficiently
• Ironing techniques: Get to know smart and practical tips
• Communication and assertiveness: Feel stronger in conversations with customers
Besides learning, courses are great to meet other colleagues and exchange experiences. Learning together is always more fun! This year, too, we have put together a nice training offer, so do contact your office to find out which courses will be organised in your region.
What does this mean for our customers?
• As of 1 June, customers who have their registered address or ‘domicile’ in the Flemish region can no longer purchase paper service vouchers.
• The paper vouchers purchased before 1 June remain valid until their expiry date.
• Since 1 January 2025, they can no longer exchange their paper vouchers.
Update on the switch to electronic service vouchers in the Flemish Region
In accordance with Flemish legislation, Daenens is switching completely to digital service vouchers on 1 June 2025.
What are the advantages of digital vouchers?
• Customers receive their vouchers immediately after ordering.
• Electronic vouchers cannot be lost or stolen.
Download the JobTracker app today
You may still receive paper service vouchers from your customers after 1 June 2025, at least if they are still valid. If you still have questions, do speak to your coordinator and we will be happy to help you.
We recommend that you register service vouchers yourself via the JobTracker 2.0 app, which is very convenient and easy to use. We actually recommend everyone, regardless of the region you work in, to start using the app. You will find a clear step-by-step plan in the flyer that comes with this Happy. If you still have questions, you are welcome to step by the office!
Do you know someone who is looking for household help? Tell them about your job as a household help at Daenens! If your enthusiasm and referral brings in a new customer, you will receive a nice reward as a thank you - a bonus of up to €100. In this Happy you will find a flyer with a form to fill in. Good luck!
Ask for the conditions in your trusted Daenens office. Offer valid until 31/12/2025.
Thank you for your valuable survey input
At the end of last year, together with Profacts, we organised a satisfaction survey and analysis of psychosocial risks. For the first time, this was done completely digitally. The fact that the questionnaire was as extensive as last time probably explains why we received slightly fewer completed surveys than last time. Still, we received input from one in five employees and we are very grateful for that.
PROCESSING THE RESULTS
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated for their time and effort. Based on your feedback, we have now received the first rough results from Profacts. We will take the time to analyse those results thoroughly because that is the only way to take proper actions that will have a positive impact on your job satisfaction and well-being. Because happy work = happy life! We may also want to work together with a number of household helps to make sure we develop the right actions.
LOOKING AHEAD
The satisfaction survey remains an important guiding compass for us. As we realise the world is changing rapidly and your expectations are evolving, we want to switch to shorter and more frequent surveys in the future. This will allow us to respond more quickly to your needs and suggestions. We will keep you informed about this and, in the next edition of the Happy, share our findings and the steps we will take.
Dance along to the Daenens playlist and add your favourite songs to the Happy Summer Tunes
Summer is here and we feel it at Daenens too! To get into the summer mood, we are happy to launch our own summer playlist on Spotify! With your help, the Happy Summer Tunes is bound to become a cheerful mix of the favourite songs of everyone at Daenens.
The Daenens Happy Summer Tunes playlist provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy music that energises, relaxes or just sounds good on a sunny day. Whether you are on your way to work, enjoying time-off at home or cleaning to a solid beat in the background - this playlist is all yours.
Nine songs, just to get started
We have created a shared playlist on Spotify and added nine inspiring songs that form the basis for our own Daenens tunes - maybe you even recognise them from The Warmest Week campaign on the radio? And of course, we just had to add Happy by Pharrell Williams too. The hit song has become something of an unofficial Daenens anthem as it is perfectly aligns with our personnel magazine and our slogan “Happy work, happy life”.
Your turn now
And now it is up to you as you can all start adding songs! Scan the QR code to our playlist on this page, click “Follow” and add your own summer favourites. You don't need a paid account, you can join with a free Spotify account too. So, make sure we hear you loud and clear, get inspired and add your favourite summer sounds. Let’s make this playlist the 2025 soundtrack of Team Daenens! Clap along if you know what happiness is to you ...
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you …
Household helps are opening doors against loneliness
The Warmest Week saw a massive mobilisation to fight against loneliness. This was a truly heartwarming initiative, but in all fairness, loneliness does not stop when the campaign actions stop. Loneliness is a silent burden that requires attention every day. Fortunately, Daenens has a secret superpower: our household helps.
Our household helps are much more than cleaning heroes. They are the eyes and ears, the familiar faces and sometimes even the only visit a customer gets that week. Take the lovely example of household help Nancy and her 90-year-old client Maria. Every week, Maria is already waiting for Nancy at the door with a big smile. When Nancy steps inside, Maria opens up and tells hundreds of stories about the old days – tales full of life and memories. For Nancy, it is always a small moment with a big impact. ‘It's such a joy to see her brighten up. This is what really gives me job satisfaction.’
DISCOVERING COSY PLACES, TOGETHER WITH MINTUS
Because we at Daenens believe those moments can make the world of difference, we started a pilot project against loneliness together with Mintus vzw in Bruges. We want to do more than just leave a clean house behind - we also want to bring warmth into our customers' lives. For many people, young and old, the household help is the only fixed contact moment in the week. This makes our role all the more important.
That is why we have listed all the cosy ‘open doors’ in Bruges, places where people are welcome for a cup of coffee, a chat or an activity. If necessary, our household helps are happy to walk their clients there, to make sure that the first step becomes a little easier and the threshold lower.
EXPANSION IF SUCCESSFUL
If this project succeeds - and we sincerely hope so - we want to expand it to other cities and regions. Loneliness makes no one happy and together, with small gestures and heart-warming moments, we can help drive this empty feeling out of our neighbourhoods. Our household helps are up for the challenge every day, with a cleaning cloth and an open heart. Because making a real difference often begins with a simple but heartfelt ‘How are you feeling today?’
De Brugse Open Deuren: instagram.com/opendeurenbrugge
• House of Time
• Tarantaboot
• WZC Ter Potterie
• Café Alloo Alloo
• Speel o theek De Piepbal
• Troostbaar
• ‘tspelopdewagen
• Brocante Café
• Postbar
• Dees
• Karmamarkt
• Buurtcentrum De Balsemboom
• YOT
Tasty summer recipe: refreshing couscous salad with grilled vegetables and feta
The summer holidays are just around the corner. Time to relax, enjoy long evenings and above all ... have meals outside! Whether you are on holiday or simply turning your own garden or terrace into a summer paradise, a cosy dinner moment is an inseparable part of it. That's why the editorial team is happy to share a refreshing, easy recipe that is perfect for barbecues and picnics. Bring on the summer!
Ingredients
• 200 g couscous
• 1 courgette
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 100 g cherry tomatoes
• 150 g feta
• Fresh mint and parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
Preparation
Delicious with meat, fish or veggie
1. Prepare the couscous according to the packaging and let it cool off.
2. Cut the vegetables into pieces and grill them on the barbecue or in a grill pan. Let them cool off a little.
3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and crumble the feta.
4. Mix the couscous with the grilled vegetables, tomatoes, feta, chopped mint and parsley.
5. Finish off with a splash of lemon juice, a dash of olive oil and pepper and salt to taste.
6. Serve lukewarm or cold, as a side dish or a light lunch.
Congratulations to the winners of the previous prize draw
In the previous edition of Happy, you could win a delicious chocolate package by sending us your favourite recipe. The winners have been announced and we congratulate Marijke V., Nathalie V. and Cindy V. In the meantime, they have received their chocolate package. Enjoy!
Take part again and win!
This salad perfectly pairs up with grilled chicken, lamb chops or a spiced merguez sausage. Fish lovers can add marinated salmon on the barbecue or a piece of fried sea bream. If you prefer a vegetarian option, add grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for extra bite!
All through this Happy magazine, we have hidden cheerful bouquets of flowers in various places. Can you count exactly how many bouquets of flowers you could spot throughout this Happy, excluding the one here in the corner? Scan the QR code and send us your answer.
From the correct entries received, we will raffle five entrance tickets to amusement park Walibi –a perfect summer outing. Good luck and have fun!
