History

The Insignia of Honour for the Laureate of Work was established by Royal Decree of the Prince Regent on November 12, 1948. It is awarded to Belgian citizens in recognition of excellence in their profession. Every year the Royal Institute of the Elites of Labour selects approximately five sectors to reward with the Insignia. Candidates are chosen from application files which include examples of their work, as well as recommendations from co-workers and supervisors.

The Gold Decoration is awarded to recipients of the Silver Decoration, after a minimum of 5 years, for active leadership in their profession.

There are two versions of the Gold Decoration. The first version was awarded from 1948-1963 has small laurel branches, and the present version, awarded since 1963, has a large laurel branches. Both versions feature a reverse inscription that translates to "Kingdom of Belgium. National Exhibitions of Work. Insignia of Honour of the Laureate of Work."