Belgium is the latest nation to offer a reduced work week to reduce stress and burnout after the government altered labour practises on Tuesday in reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak. Employees in Belgium will be able to request a four-day work week without losing pay.
A brief about Belgium is the newest nation to permit employees to experience a four-day work week
The ruling coalition in Belgium decided to approve a package of labour law changes, including a provision allowing workers to put in more time during the week in exchange for a longer weekend.
In order to reject a worker’s request for a four-day work week, when they would put in the same number of hours as in a five-day work week, an employer must provide a written justification.
The labour reform in Belgium follows a four-day work week trial in Iceland between 2015 and 2019, which was hailed as a “overwhelming success”; as a result, 86% of the workforce in that nation currently works a shorter work week or is obtaining the ability to reduce their hours.
Spain and Scotland, two other European nations, have recently announced intentions to allow employees to trial four-day work weeks without being penalised.
Last year, the Japanese government also suggested a four-day work week to help the nation tackle burnout and overwork.
The labour reforms are intended to contribute to the development of a more productive and dynamic economy, according to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo during a press conference. “Our nation is frequently much less vibrant when compared to others. The labour market has changed after two challenging years, he said. We “set a beacon for an economy that is more innovative, sustainable, and digital” with this agreement.
According to Euronews, civil employees of the federal government of Belgium were granted the freedom to turn off work devices and disregard after-hours messages without facing consequences last month. All Belgian workers, including those employed by the private sector, will have the same rights as a result of the reforms passed on Tuesday.
