Ignore Your Boss After Work: Belgium Now on a 4-Day Work Week

Belgium has made some changes when it comes to work-life balance. These changes affect the number of workdays and the disponibility of the workers. But what effects will this have? Will it help the workers? Or will it create a break in productivity? In this slogging thread, our startup hustle channel took the chance to discuss this news and share our opinions about whether we like to have these conditions as well or not.

This Slogging thread by Sara Pinto, Mónica Freitas and Jack Boreham occurred in slogging's official #startup-hustle channel, and has been edited for readability.

Sara PintoFeb 15, 2022, 2:49 PM

Should the week only have four working days?

https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/02/15/belgium-approves-four-day-week-and-gives-employees-the-right-to-ignore-their-bosses

Sara PintoFeb 15, 2022, 2:52 PM

"Workers in Belgium will soon be able to choose a four-day week under a series of labour market reforms announced on Tuesday."

"The reform package agreed by the country's multi-party coalition government will also give workers the right to turn off work devices and ignore work-related messages after hours without fear of reprisal."

Sara PintoFeb 15, 2022, 2:52 PM

The Belgian prime minister has said "We have experienced two difficult years. With this agreement, we set a beacon for an economy that is more innovative, sustainable and digital. The aim is to be able to make people and businesses stronger"

Sara PintoFeb 15, 2022, 2:53 PM

Do you think this method will improve work? Or do you think it will decrease productivity? Limarc Ambalina Mónica Freitas Jack Boreham Abeer Linh Smooke

Mónica FreitasFeb 16, 2022, 11:26 AM

Sara Pinto YESSSSS! My dream! ahaha

Mónica FreitasFeb 16, 2022, 11:28 AM

Sara Pinto, from my experience, there is always one day per week where you're not really productive because either you're tired, unmotivated, etc. Moreover, weekends go by so fast - if you have to use one day for errands and another for socializing, you get to the end of it just as tired as you were from your work week. So, I'd love for a three day weekend!

Sara PintoFeb 23, 2022, 3:26 PM

I totally agree with you, Mónica Freitas. I also think that there's one day that you just want to get through the day and this translates to your level of productivity and motivation. Unfortunately, seems like kind of a taboo subject. I don't see many countries discussing this subject

Sara PintoFeb 23, 2022, 3:28 PM

But on second thought, even if you don't feel so motivated, you end up doing some work on that day. Don't you think it would cut down productivity if we made this change? Mónica Freitas

Jack BorehamFeb 24, 2022, 4:54 PM

Sara Pinto, without a doubt. I get to
Thursday and I'm done 😂. I feel people would be a lot more productive. Less tired etc.

Mónica FreitasFeb 24, 2022, 6:21 PM

Sara Pinto I really don't. Unless we're talking about production or agriculture and such sectors, one less day of work won't make a difference. It'd give people more time to do the things they love, relax, get fresher ideas... people would it be happier about going to work..,. at least I would 😂

Sara PintoFeb 28, 2022, 11:49 AM

Jack Boreham do you think there's any chance they will apply this to the UK on a near future?

Sara PintoFeb 28, 2022, 11:50 AM

Mónica Freitas, I completely agree. Do you think this idea will expande to all Europe?

Jack BorehamMar 1, 2022, 8:54 AM

Sara Pinto not under our current government. But probably soon

Mónica FreitasMar 1, 2022, 9:24 PM

Sara Pinto, I think only if we get to a point where our economy could handle a four-day workweek. I don't believe Portugal could, for example.