On the surface, the principle of “equal pay for equal work,” regardless of gender, seems like a no-brainer—who wouldn’t support that? In fact, it has been embedded in European and Belgian law for decades as a pillar of gender equality.
Employers are legally required to offer the same pay to employees who perform the same job with equal qualifications. Yet, despite this legal framework, the need for International Equal Pay Day reminds us that true pay equity remains challenging to achieve in many places around the world.
At SEC Newgate EU, equality is not just an initiative—it’s a core part of who we are. Caring is, after all, one of our corporate values and doing what is right shapes how we operate daily. We indeed believe that creating a fair and thriving workplace starts with providing equal pay and fostering equal opportunities for all employees.
So, how do we do it?
Our approach to equal pay is straightforward. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and additional holidays to all employees. But we don’t stop there. We have implemented defined salary bands for every position, ensuring everyone is compensated fairly based on their role, experience, and responsibilities. These salary bands are guided by our company’s competency framework, providing clarity and fairness at every step of the career ladder.
But let’s be clear: equal pay is only part of the equation.
Equal opportunities are just as important to us. We believe that the success of our company lies in the diverse and dynamic talents of our team members. We encourage everyone to grow, innovate, and excel, recognizing that our collective strength is what makes SEC Newgate EU a better organization.
An important part of promoting equal opportunities is ensuring employee well-being. We understand that for our people to thrive, they need a supportive environment that fosters both professional growth and personal well-being. To support this, we offer flexible work arrangements, a dedicated mental health day, and a day off for their birthday, allowing them to recharge or enjoy personal time. We will also resume our meditation sessions to promote a healthy mindset. We believe that when employees feel their best, they are empowered to reach their full potential.
Here, learning happens top-down, bottom-up, and sideways—because no matter where you are in your career, you have something to teach and something to learn. Our bi-annual performance reviews offer a platform for open, constructive dialogue, helping us foster an environment where everyone can develop their skills and pursue their goals, not just fulfil a job description.
The bigger picture?
It’s not just about our employees—it’s about the economy. Equal pay not only helps individuals, but it also strengthens societies and boosts economic growth. In the EU, closing the gender pay gap could lead to more jobs, higher participation in the workforce, and long-lasting growth across countries. In other words, fair pay is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do for the future of our communities and economies.
As we mark International Equal Pay Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the talent, dedication, and contributions that each member of our team brings to the table. Our employees are the driving force behind our success, and as such, it is only natural that we continue to invest in their growth through fair salaries, ongoing learning opportunities, mentoring, and career development.