Belgian employees require an average of **13 days of vacation** to fully disconnect from work, according to a new study published by the Knack and De Standaard, based on research by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The findings, part of a broader European survey, highlight a growing concern about work-life balance in Belgium, where the legal minimum vacation entitlement is just **20 days per year**.

The study, which surveyed **1,200 Belgian workers** across various sectors, found that **42% of respondents** admitted to checking work emails or messages while on vacation, with **28%** reporting they felt “guilty” for not responding immediately. This behavior, researchers noted, significantly reduces the psychological benefits of time off, leaving many employees feeling perpetually “on call” even during leave.

“The pressure to be available 24/7 has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life,” said Professor Liesbet Van Zanden, lead researcher at VUB’s Work-Life Balance Research Center. “For many Belgians, two weeks of vacation are no longer sufficient to recharge, especially in high-stress industries like finance, healthcare, and tech.”

Why Do Belgian Workers Struggle to Disconnect?

The study identified several key factors contributing to the disconnect issue:

• Cultural expectations: Belgian work culture often emphasizes responsiveness, with **63% of respondents** reporting they were expected to answer work messages within hours, even on vacation.
• Industry pressures: Workers in **finance (15 days needed)**, **healthcare (14 days)**, and **IT (13 days)** required the longest recovery periods, while those in **education (10 days)** and **retail (9 days)** needed less time. Eurofound data shows Belgium ranks **below the EU average** for work-life balance policies.
• Digital overload: **71% of participants** used smartphones for work-related tasks during vacation, with **38%** admitting to working remotely while on leave.

The findings align with broader European trends. A **2023 Eurofound report** found that **38% of EU workers** struggled to mentally detach from work, with Belgium and the Netherlands among the worst-affected countries. The study also noted that **Belgian employees take fewer vacation days than their EU peers**—an average of **19 days per year**, compared to the EU average of **22 days**.

How Does Belgium Compare to Other European Countries?

Source: VUB Study 2024 | Eurofound 2023 | OECD Work-Life Balance Reports

The data suggests that while Belgium’s legal vacation entitlement is in line with other EU countries, the **cultural and digital pressures** make it harder for employees to fully benefit. “Belgium’s rigid work culture and high expectations for availability are key drivers,” said Dr. Jan De Maeyer, a labor economist at KU Leuven. “Unlike Nordic countries, where ‘right to disconnect’ laws are enforced, Belgium lacks strong legal protections.”

What Are the Consequences of Poor Work-Life Balance?

The study linked prolonged work-related stress to several health and productivity issues:

• Burnout rates: **31% of Belgian workers** reported symptoms of burnout, up from **22% in 2020**, according to the Fedris (Belgian Social Security Office).
• Reduced productivity: Employees who checked emails during vacation were **18% less productive** upon returning to work, per the study.
• Mental health decline: **45% of respondents** said they felt “exhausted” after returning from vacation, with **21%** reporting anxiety related to work expectations.

The findings come as Belgium debates new labor reforms, including proposals for a **”right to disconnect”** law, similar to those in France and Spain. A draft bill, currently under review by the Belgian Parliament, would ban employers from contacting workers outside working hours. If passed, it could significantly reduce the disconnect gap.

What Can Employers and Employees Do?

The VUB study offered several recommendations for both employers and workers:

For Employers:

• Enforce **strict “out-of-office” policies** during vacation periods.
• Provide **mental health support**, such as counseling or stress management programs.
• Encourage **flexible work arrangements** to reduce the need for constant availability.
• Lead by example—**executives should model disconnection** during leave.

For Employees:

• Set **clear boundaries** with colleagues about availability during vacation.
• Use **automated email responses** to manage expectations.
• Prioritize **digital detoxes** during leave to fully recharge.
• Advocate for **stronger workplace policies** if needed.

The study also highlighted the role of **union negotiations**. The Christian Trade Union Confederation (CSC) has called for mandatory disconnect periods, while the FGTB (General Federation of Belgian Labor) is pushing for legal protections against after-hours work demands.

What Happens Next?

The Belgian government is expected to finalize the **”right to disconnect”** legislation by **late 2024**, with potential implementation in **2025**. Meanwhile, employers are under increasing pressure to address the issue voluntarily. The Employers’ Federation of Belgium (VBO-FEB) has stated it supports “responsible work culture” reforms but warns against overly restrictive measures that could harm competitiveness.

For workers concerned about their own disconnect struggles, the study recommends:

• Contacting **employee assistance programs** offered by many Belgian companies.
• Joining **work-life balance advocacy groups**, such as VBO-FEB’s Work-Life Balance Initiative.
• Monitoring updates from the Belgian Employment Ministry on new labor laws.

As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: Belgium’s work culture is at a crossroads. The question now is whether legal changes—or cultural shifts—will be enough to help workers truly unplug.