Domiva

New sector federation Domiva aims to build a strong service voucher sector – interview

Lander — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:55:45 +0000

Domiva aims to build a strong service voucher sector

With the formation of a new federation, the service voucher sector has been given a fresh look and a new name: Domiva. In appointing Steve Vandenberghe as managing director, the sector has chosen someone who fully understands that there is a great deal of work to be done, but above all that there is significant social value to be upheld.

INTERVIEW

NEWS

Setting up a federation of our own is not simply a matter of creating a new structure or a new logo. It is a clear signal that the sector wants to organise itself more effectively. With greater focus, greater expertise and greater clout. “We are talking about a sector that makes a huge difference every day to families, the elderly, working parents and around 150,000 domestic helpers in our country,” says Steve Vandenberghe.

“The challenges are well known. The economic climate has become more difficult, tax deductibility has been abolished, and pressure on the sector is mounting. But it would be a mistake to reduce that debate to a single, simplistic discussion. The future of this sector is about much more than just the cost of a pay cheque or a single aspect of the remuneration package.”

“Anyone who is serious about the future of service vouchers needs to take a broader view. They need to look at practicality. At employment conditions. At support and supervision. At respect for the profession. At affordability for the user. And also at a sustainable and viable model for the companies that provide that support every day.”

“That is why, for me, this is above all the time to build a Sector 2.0. To bring about a structural reform of the system, so that it remains fair for everyone: for the domestic helpers, for the families who rely on them, for the government and for the businesses in the sector. Because it is precisely that profitability that is under pressure today more than ever. And without a healthy business environment, you cannot provide a strong framework for the people on the ground.”

“The new federation can play a key role in this. Not by creating further polarisation, but by opening up the debate with expert insight. We need to move away from that negative framing. Our mission must be to make clear just how important this sector is to our society. I also call on everyone within our sector to stop talking our sector down. Of course, we must identify and tackle the problems, but we must not let that make us forget all the good things.”

“I’ve been working here for a few months now, and I don’t see a sector that can be viewed solely through a negative lens. I also see a sector that supports families, provides people with opportunities in the labour market, and helps enable older people to live at home for longer. I see a sector with a significant social impact.”

“I am well aware that this will not be a sprint. It will be a marathon. But one that we must run together. With mutual respect. With expertise. And, above all, with the ambition to finally prepare a system that has already proven its worth for the future. The launch of Domiva is certainly one of those important steps.”

Het bericht New sector federation Domiva aims to build a strong service voucher sector – interview verscheen eerst op Domiva.

HLN response – “I no longer take breaks for fear of losing my job”

Lander — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:55:05 +0000

“I don’t take any more breaks for fear of losing my job”

HLN reaction

NEWS

A survey of nearly 1,400 domestic helpers shows that 80% of them have noticed a change in their clients’ behaviour. This is an important signal from our domestic helpers.

You can read the full article in HLN.

Managing Director Steve Vandenberghe responded as follows:

The many employers I have spoken to over the past few months have also mentioned this. It is a shared concern. We must not bury our heads in the sand. Everyone in the sector will need to think pragmatically. We must do everything we can to ensure it remains workable for our domestic workers and healthy for the sector. Otherwise, things will go even further downhill.

And, as both our domestic helpers and the agencies say, it remains a brilliant system for the user. Our agencies, staff and domestic helpers do incredibly valuable work. And they still do so at a very fair price, given the total cost and the full organisation required.

Of course, we’ve all been thoroughly spoiled over the past 20 years because previous ministers never did what was necessary: allowing prices to rise in line with the index. The shock effect is now putting even more pressure on the situation. That could have been avoided.

In any case, we must move forward. Kris Vanautgaerden is right about what he said on Radio 1. We’ll have to do this together. So that we can indeed secure the future of our sector. And that will only work if it’s a fair solution for everyone.

There’s work to be done!

Steve Vandenberghe
Managing Director Domiva

Het bericht HLN response – “I no longer take breaks for fear of losing my job” verscheen eerst op Domiva.

A new chapter for the service voucher sector

Lander — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:50:53 +0000

A new chapter for the service voucher sector

Today, the Service Voucher Federation is stepping out of the shadows and unveiling its new name: ‘Domiva’. Domiva sprang into action behind the scenes at the start of this year and has been hard at work ever since.

PRESS

NEWS

PRESS

Domiva is committed to a service voucher sector where everyone benefits. To this end, they are strongly committed to consultation with all partners around the table. In the past, the voice of businesses was too quiet in the debate. That is precisely why the sector has consciously chosen to establish its own federation and chart a new course.

The name Domiva was not chosen by chance. ‘Domus’ stands for homeliness, whilst ‘viva’ refers to life and the human, positive story that the federation wishes to convey. For long may the service voucher sector thrive, but at the same time we must also ensure that it can continue to thrive.

Precisely because the challenges today are so great.

Service voucher companies are struggling because they have to operate on very tight margins. At the same time, costs continue to rise. Wages, management, planning, administration and support all weigh heavily on the balance sheet. Simply capping the administrative costs on top of the service vouchers is therefore not a solution for these companies at present.

We need to look for solutions together. Because demand is also under pressure. Many users feel that domestic help is becoming increasingly expensive, precisely because of these rising costs. As a result, the financial stability of many companies is coming under increasing strain.

The service voucher sector is, however, one of the largest sectors in Belgium and delivers impact and added value on a daily basis. For instance, the system ensures that families and single people are given some breathing space again and that older people can continue to live at home for longer. Furthermore, it also creates jobs within a formal and recognised framework for some 150,000 employees.

The new federation aims to be a constructive partner for everyone: for businesses, but also for domestic helpers, service voucher users, trade unions and politicians. Today, more than ever, there is a need for consultation where everyone sits around the table and works together to find solutions. Only in this way can trust be restored, allowing the entire sector to grow once more.

Steve Vandenberghe, Managing Director of Domiva: “The vast majority of service voucher companies are doing a wonderful job today. You can sense that they are deeply committed to the sector, driven by a strong social commitment. But today they also need a sense of direction and hope. Because it is five minutes to midnight for the sector. We must ensure that the service voucher system remains sustainable and affordable for everyone.”

Het bericht A new chapter for the service voucher sector verscheen eerst op Domiva.