The Belgian government has announced that the European nation’s workers may soon be able to opt for a four-day week under a series of labour reforms. The proposed amendments will also give workers the right to disconnect after hours without fear of reprisal. Additionally, workers in the gig economy will also receive greater legal protections whilst full-time employees will be able to work flexible schedules on demand.
Under the proposed system, employees will be working compressed 4-day weeks, maintaining the standard working hours at the cost of a longer working day. A government spokesperson confirmed that employees would be able to request a four-day week arrangement for a period of six months. After that, they may choose to continue with the arrangement or revert back to a five-day week with no negative consequences.
“We have experienced two difficult years. With this agreement, we set a beacon for an economy that is more innovative, sustainable and digital. The aim is to be able to make people and businesses stronger,”
said Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander de Croo at the government press conference.
However, putting the reforms in place could take several months as the draft legislation must pass multiple readings by federal lawmakers before it is enacted.
Right to disconnect
In January this year, Belgian civil servants were given the right to turn off work devices and ignore messages after working hours without fear of reprisal. These rights will also be extended to the private sector and will apply to all employers with more than 20 staff. The measure aims to firm up boundaries between work and employees’ private lives as well as alleviate incessant business demands and bolster employee well-being.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
