Homeworking obligation disappears, hybrid working remains
Make sure you have good legal and practical agreements, and make hybrid work a success. Our experts are ready to inform, advise and support you.
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From 18 February 2022, teleworking will no longer be compulsory, but recommended again. Although the legislation has not yet been officially published, it is already certain that your employees will be able to come to the office again as of Friday. What do the relaxations mean for you as an employer? We list it.
From 18 February 2022, your employees whose jobs do allow them to telecommute are allowed to come back (more) to work. Your employees can come back to the office for several days, but it is not compulsory, as teleworking is still recommended by the government where/when it is possible.
The end of the teleworking obligation will presumably also mean the end of a number of other obligations:
For many employees, the end of compulsory teleworking will be another important step towards the new normal . But not everyone finds this step so easy.
As an employer, you cannot punish the choice not to return to work yet. Nor should return depend on a corona test or a vaccination certificate, as this information belongs to the private sphere.
Talk to your employees who are uncomfortable with a return and enter into a dialogue to work out an approach that is workable and feasible for everyone.
Do not forget to apply the preventive measures, because the social distancing rules still apply. A maximum level of protection must also be maintained in the workplace. This could mean that not all employees can be on the shop floor at the same time, and that you will have to work with a rotation system.
The generic guide, supplemented by the sectoral protocols, provides information on the appropriate preventive measures. The 1.5 metres social distancing and face masks will not disappear from the professional sphere for a while.
Your employees' commuting will also increase again. Think about the possible renewal of subscriptions in good time. Please also note that public transport fares are adjusted, as usual, in February. As a result, your contribution to the transport costs may change. Finally, the maximum exempted amount of the bicycle allowance has been increased to EUR 0.25 per kilometre.
Physical team building will also be possible again. It is a good way to strengthen the group spirit and reaffirm the bond between colleagues. Is your period of evaluation interviews coming up? Then you can organise it live.
Make sure you have good legal and practical agreements, and make hybrid work a success. Our experts are ready to inform, advise and support you.
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