New law in Belgium: boss may not call after working hours anymore

They thought, don't call me in Belgium. At least, not after six o'clock if it's work-related. That this still happens should come to an end, and that's why it has now been enshrined in law after February 1 that federal employees may no longer be called by their boss after their normal working hours.

This is referred to by the Minister of Civil Service as ‘the right to disconnect’ and aims to prevent the risk of burnouts and stress. Well, it actually doesn't sound like such a crazy idea, does it? In total, about 65,000 civil servants will no longer be disturbed after working hours. There are some exceptions, by the way: the boss may call if it concerns exceptional and unforeseen circumstances and if it involves something that requires immediate action. Okay, that sounds logical.

Additionally, it has also been stipulated that the employee ‘must not suffer any disadvantage if they do not answer the phone or read work-related messages outside of normal working hours.’ Seriously, that sounds great, right? I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually implement this in the Netherlands as well. By the way, Belgium is not the first country to do this: France and Portugal already have similar legislation.

Moreover, in our little country, they are also working on it: in June, a similar bill will be considered by the House of Representatives. Fingers crossed then.