The following article highlights the most important changes that Belgium has adopted this year in the area of employment law. Among others, these reforms include the possibility of a four-day work week, the right of employees to "disconnect", a new labour mandate for companies to draft "training plans", and the right of employees to negotiate flexible working conditions. Since these legislative changes will have a concrete impact on the way companies run their businesses, this overview is aimed at helping companies understand and master these reforms.

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Four-day work week

Companies may introduce a work regime whereby employees can apply to work full-time over four days without any reduction in pay. Depending on the number of hours worked per week by the employees, the company can introduce this possibility through an amendment to work regulations or through the signing of a company collective bargaining agreement.

Employees can enter this system voluntarily. The employee must send the employer a written request, which the company may accept or refuse:

• If accepted by the company, the company must conclude an agreement with the employee. This agreement must contain a number of compulsory clauses. The employees will then be able to work full time on four days for a maximum period of six months (which is extendable).
• If refused, the company must give reasons for this decision.

Note also that employees who apply to work their full time over four days are protected...

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