Belgium workers are now allowed to request a four-day workweek without any reduction in their salary. Belgium became the latest country that offers a shortened workweek as a means to lower stress and burnout in the working force.
During a press conference, PM Alexander De Croo stated that the labor reforms are created to make the economy more dynamic and increase productivity.
Belgium Makes Changes to Boost Productivity & Dynamics
De Croo emphasizes that when their country is compared to others, they’re lower in dynamics. And, in the last two years that have been hard, their labor market evolved.
By doing this improvement, the PM says they’re setting up a sustainable, innovative, and digital beacon for their economy.
Recently, the employees who work for the federal government were given the right to turn off their working devices and ignore any after-work messages without experiencing repercussions.
As part of the reform package, all workers in Belgium, including the ones in the private sector, will have the same right too.
Growing Push for a Four-Day Workweek on a Global Scale
The demand for a four-day workweek has been growing worldwide.
The 4 Day Week Global pilot program enrolled 35 North American companies as well as 20 international companies and countries that are testing the four-day workweek.
The 2000 workers will get a paid day-off weekly during the trial. The United Arab Emirates also announced the adoption of the four and a half-day workweek so that they math with the global markets.
In the US, Rep. Mark Takano introduced legislation for the shorter standard workweek, i.e. from 40 to 32 hours last summer.
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