The country famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles is now a more attractive place to work.
“Workers in Belgium will soon be able to choose a four-day week under a series of labor market reforms announced in February,” reports EuroNews. Workers will also have the right to turn off work devices and ignore work-related messages after hours without fear of reprisal.
“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,” Belgian prime minister Alexander de Croo told a press conference announcing the reform package.
Workers in the gig economy will also receive stronger legal protections under the new rules, while full-time employees will be able to work flexible schedules on demand.
One reader noted that it’s a 38-hour 4-day week; workers have to request that schedule, and it gets re-evaluated every six months.
Sahid Fawaz, Labor411.org