Imec named Belgium’s most attractive employer for 2026
A new survey by HR firm Randstad has named Leuven-based research centre imec as Belgium’s most attractive employer for 2026.
The annual Randstad Employer Brand Research, now in its 26th year, surveyed more than 11,000 people on 195 of the country’s largest private employers. This year, the tech sector emerged as a clear winner, reflecting the growing importance of innovation in attracting talent.
Imec topped the ranking with an attractiveness score of 76.3 per cent, followed by software firm Odoo (73.7 per cent) and pharmaceutical company GSK (73.2 per cent).
Respondents highlighted cutting-edge technology, strong reputation and competitive pay and benefits as imec’s main strengths. The organisation ranked highest among men, older workers and highly educated respondents, while also placing among the top choices for women.
Randstad notes that Belgian-rooted companies dominate the list, with 11 of the top 20 employers headquartered in the country. This suggests local firms remain highly competitive against multinationals in terms of employer appeal.
By sector, aviation remains the most attractive private industry, scoring 47.7 per cent, followed by pharmaceuticals, high-tech, IT and consultancy and media. The report also shows a broad recovery across industries, with most sectors improving compared with 2025.
Salary and benefits remain the top priority for Belgian workers. However, Randstad stresses that competitive pay alone is no longer enough: companies need to invest in leadership and innovation to stand out in the labour market.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO SARAH VAN HECKE
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