Blue Flash 02/2026

ACLVB/CGSLB
15 hours ago
4 min read

💘 Valentine’s Day: A celebration of love, friendship, and appreciation

Every year on February 14, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a moment of romance, thoughtful gestures, and sweet traditions. But behind today’s modern customs lies a rich historical background. — Every year on **February 14**, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a moment of romance, thoughtful gestures, and sweet traditions. But behind today’s modern customs lies a rich historical background.

From martyr to symbol of love

The story goes back to Saint Valentine, a Roman priest from the 3rd century. Legend says that he secretly married couples despite Emperor Claudius II’s ban. His acts of kindness made him the patron saint of lovers.

Through the centuries, February 14 slowly evolved from a religious commemoration into a celebration of romantic connection. During the Middle Ages, people in France and England believed that birds began courting around this time reinforcing the symbolic link with love.

Valentine’s Day around the world

Today, the celebration takes many forms across cultures:

In Japan, women give chocolate to men; a month later, on White Day, men return the gesture.
In Finland and Estonia, the day is about friendship: “Ystävänpäivä” and “Sõbrapäev.”
Across Latin America, people celebrate “Día del Amor y la Amistad,” honouring both love and friendship.

No matter the customs, the message remains timeless: take a moment to appreciate the people who matter.

A sweet gesture at work

As every year, ACLVB/CGSLB wants to celebrate this day with you by offering you a chocolate heart.

Why this gesture?

Because we value your dedication, commitment, and the effort you put in every day, especially in challenging times. Your work truly makes a difference.

Enjoy your chocolate heart… and the warm feeling that comes with it.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💙

How to Overcome the Fear of Change

Change can be exciting, but it often triggers fear. Learn why we fear the unknown and how to overcome it.

Three sources of fear

Focusing on the negative
Lack of self-confidence
Feeling powerless

7 strategies to overcome fear

Challenge the worst-case: question your fears.
Create a clear action plan: learn, get informed, seek support.
Focus on the positive: identify benefits and opportunities.
Take small steps: leave your comfort zone gradually.
Visualize success: imagine a positive future.
Practice courage: take on challenges to build resilience.
Accept fear: treat it as normal, not an enemy.

"Every crisis contains an opportunity."

The impact of injustice at work and how to prevent it.

Feeling unfairly treated at work harms employee health and organizational performance. It triggers stress, disengagement, and a toxic climate. Managers are key: transparency, fair processes, and respectful communication matter

How to act?

Train managers on distributive, procedural, and interactional justice.
Build skills in clear communication, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership.
Apply tools like interactive training, 360° feedback, and HR dashboards.

Conclusion: Fairness is not optional – it’s a pillar of sustainable success and well-being.

Positive progress in handling HR requests

During the WOCO of 15 January, we received an update on how HR requests are being managed. After a somewhat bumpy start for everyone, we’re happy to see things are moving in a very positive direction! — During the WOCO of 15 January, we received an update on how HR requests are being managed. After a somewhat bumpy start for everyone, we’re happy to see things are **moving in a very positive direction!**

Good to know

Got an idea to improve something? Share it through the CSAT score. A score of 1 or 2 triggers direct contact from HR to understand what’s not working. And of course, if things are going well, a positive score is always great to receive too!

HR Corner: when chat isn’t enough Sometimes a chat message just isn’t enough to sort things out. That’s why a weekly HR Corner has been set up in the main buildings, where you can meet HR colleagues face‑to‑face for help with more complex Workday or HR processes.We’re fully behind this initiative and have asked to increase its frequency, so it aligns better with everyone’s hybrid schedules. We also suggested easier access to HR colleagues familiar with Belgian specifics, which the Hubs don’t always master.

Team leads are not on their own Team leads deal with a lot: information, tasks, and both technical and people‑related challenges. Just a reminder: you don’t have to handle everything alone. Your HR Business Partner is there to support you whenever needed.

Key points from the CPBW - CPPT of 20/01

New regulation – Reintegration Policy 3.0

A new law (approved at the end of 2025) aims to make the reintegration process more proactive and faster. Attentia will further analyse this legislation and propose adjustments to our ING processes.

Positive approach, focusing on prevention and staying in contact.
RIT can be initiated more quickly (starting from 1 day of absence).
Work potential determines the mandatory start moment.
Medical force majeure procedure: waiting period shortened to 6 months.
HR is working on the practical implementation.

Communication from CREFS

Your feedback on our working environment will be collected through an external survey (around 10–15 minutes).

New screens at our workplaces

We will soon receive new Samsung View Finite ultra‑wide 34” curved monitors.

Ghent: from 19/01
LLN: from 19/03
BC’s: from 01/06
MX: in a few years

We have requested that old screens be donated to associations or schools where possible. The remaining screens will be recycled via Back2Use, where employees can buy them at advantageous prices.

Availability of meeting rooms

No progress has been made regarding the issue of rooms being reserved but not used.

Restaurants – Price indexation

Limiting the impact on employees’ purchasing power through higher meal vouchers is not fully supported by the social partners.

Farewell to Annick François with gratitude for her exceptional dedication

At the end of this month, we will say goodbye to our valued colleague Annick François, who is taking on new challenges after many years of commitment.

Within the union activities, Annick has played a particularly important role. With dedication and determination, she has tirelessly worked for the well‑being of all colleagues and for strengthening our collective voice within the bank.

Annick began her union journey with a small release percentage and gradually expanded this into a full‑time engagement.

Driven by curiosity to understand the “behind‑the‑scenes” of the organisation, she gained deep insight into its workings and became an active representative, including in the CPPT (CPBW) and the Union Delegation. She listened, defended, connected, and ensured colleagues had a voice wherever it was needed.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Annick for her many years of involvement, her openness, and her continuous commitment to creating a better workplace for everyone.

We wish her all the very best for the future.