In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working has become a staple in the professional landscape worldwide. However, recent findings from a study conducted by Acerta shed light on a notable trend in Belgium: a significant portion of companies are contemplating scaling back teleworking hours, despite a preference among employees for more flexibility.
According to the study, one-third of companies in Belgium are considering cutting the number of hours that employees can work from home. This revelation comes as 57% of companies find the current teleworking formula unsatisfactory, prompting over 30% to contemplate reducing remote work allowances.
Ellen Van Grunderbeek, a legal expert at Acerta Consult, acknowledges the evolving stance toward remote work policies. She notes, “After the sudden boost that working from home received four years ago, it is not surprising that company policies on working from home are being re-evaluated.” Van Grunderbeek highlights concerns regarding productivity levels amidst the shift towards remote work.
However, despite the reassessment among Belgian companies, Van Grunderbeek remains optimistic about the future of hybrid working. She asserts that hybrid working will persist as an asset amidst labor shortages and contribute to sustainable employment practices.
The study reveals a disconnect between the desires of employees and the intentions of employers regarding teleworking. While 41% of workers express a desire for more teleworking hours, only 12.7% of companies are in agreement. Conversely, while 30.6% of employers aim to reduce teleworking, merely 5% of employees concur.
Nevertheless, a majority of both camps expressed satisfaction with the prevailing hybrid model, with 57% of employers and 54% of employees content with the current arrangement.
Notably, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) emerge as the group most inclined to reduce teleworking hours, with 33% in favor of a reduction and 41% advocating for more in-office presence on a structural basis.
The study, which drew upon data collected from 500 Belgian companies and 2,700 employees, underscores the nuanced perspectives surrounding remote work. While employers grapple with productivity concerns and a desire for increased in-person collaboration, employees value the flexibility and work-life balance afforded by teleworking.
As Belgium navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the discourse surrounding remote work policies continues to evolve. While some companies may opt to scale back teleworking hours, it remains to be seen how this decision will resonate with employees who value the autonomy and flexibility of remote work arrangements.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
