Time to unwind: At least two weeks off work needed to recharge batteries

Time to unwind: At least two weeks off work needed to recharge batteries
Credit: Belga/ Benny Wouters

Employees in Belgium need 16 days off from work to recharge their batteries; just over half are able to take holidays when they need a break.

Almost six in ten Belgians (58.4%) have the opportunity to take holidays when they need to, according to a survey carried out by European HR provider SD Worx. Among temporary and part-time employees, this falls to 51%.

"It is important that employees are given flexibility when planning their holidays so that they can strive for an optimal work-life balance," Cathy Geerts, Chief HR Officer at SD Worx, said.

More than four in ten (42%) Belgian employees do not have to apply for their holidays in advance – the highest percentage in Europe. Despite increasing digitalisation in the workplace, just 58% of Belgian employers allow employees to request time off digitally.

"The option of being able to plan holidays easily and autonomously, preferably via a digital application, is of crucial importance to employees. Employers who give their employees flexibility and respond to the increasing personalisation of the relationship between employer and employee have an edge," Geerts said.

Duration of holidays

In line with the European average, Belgians consider it necessary to take 17 days of holiday to feel fully rested.

The survey highlighted a striking difference between European countries: people in the United Kingdom feel they need 8.5 days of holiday. By contrast, those in Spain and Finland feel they need 27 days and 34 days off, respectively.

49% of Belgians prefer long holidays to short ones, similar to in France, Germany and Scandinavian countries.

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A shorter holiday period, such as an extended weekend or a day off, is preferred by 36% of Belgian employees. "This is in line with the European average of 33%. In Sweden, this is the least popular option: there, only 24% opt for a shorter holiday," an SD Worx statement read.

40% of Belgian employees are prepared to take unpaid leave when their holidays are up, compared to 37% of employees in Europe. Spanish employees are the least likely to make this choice (27%).


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