Workers looking to take a break in their careers can now inform their employers via a new online application, the National Employment Office (ONEM) announced on Friday.
The law had previously required employees to request a career break by writing a letter to their bosses, allowing the company to prepare for their permanent or temporary departure.
Workers can demand a career break for multiple reasons, which include going on parental leave or wanting to change their line of employment.
ONEM has now announced that the procedure will be simplified with workers now able to fill in their requests online via an application on the employment office’s website.
The deadline for requests varies depending on the length of absence. However, all applications will have to be approved by the employer.
ONEM has now announced that the procedure will be simplified with workers now able to fill in their requests online via an application on the employment office’s website.
If the employer agrees to the career break, both parties have to complete the necessary information for the worker to receive benefits. Once filled out, the ONEM will communicate with the employee via their e-box.
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The news will be welcomed by the many Belgians who are currently dissatisfied at work. A recent survey revealed that 77% of workers did not enjoy their jobs, with 38% of them wanting to change careers.
However, despite ONEM’s simplified procedure, employees are still beholden to their bosses if they want to take a break in their careers.
ONEM’s career break coordinator Laurens Van Tichelen even explained that "employers must first tick" the option allowing them to receive career break requests on their online application.
