Attracting top talent in Belgium requires a thorough understanding of their rights as workers, ensuring fair treatment, and offering compelling benefits.
This article will delve into the essential aspects of public holidays in Belgium, exploring the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers and examining the impact these holidays have on businesses.
How many public holidays are there in Belgium?
Belgium observes ten official public holidays across the nation. Additionally, there are regional variations, especially in areas that celebrate cultural and community-specific holidays. Below is a list of the official public/bank holidays in Belgium for the years 2024-2025:
2024:
| 1 Jan | Monday | New Year’s Day | National Holiday |
| 29 Mar | Friday | Good Friday | Bank holiday |
| 1 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday | National Holiday |
| 1 May | Wednesday | Labor Day / May Day | National Holiday |
| 9 May | Thursday | Ascension Day | National Holiday |
| 10 May | Friday | Day after Ascension Day | Bank holiday |
| 20 May | Monday | Whit Monday | National Holiday |
| 21 Jul | Sunday | Belgian National Day | National Holiday |
| 15 Aug | Thursday | Assumption of Mary | National Holiday |
| 1 Nov | Friday | All Saints’ Day | National Holiday |
| 11 Nov | Monday | Armistice Day | National Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Wednesday | Christmas Day | National Holiday |
| 26 Dec | Thursday | Boxing Day | Bank holiday |
2025:
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | National Holiday |
| 18 Apr | Friday | Good Friday | Bank holiday |
| 21 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday | National Holiday |
| 1 May | Thursday | Labor Day / May Day | National Holiday |
| 29 May | Thursday | Ascension Day | National Holiday |
| 30 May | Friday | Day after Ascension Day | Bank holiday |
| 9 Jun | Monday | Whit Monday | National Holiday |
| 21 Jul | Monday | Belgian National Day | National Holiday |
| 15 Aug | Friday | Assumption of Mary | National Holiday |
| 1 Nov | Saturday | All Saints’ Day | National Holiday |
| 11 Nov | Tuesday | Armistice Day | National Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Thursday | Christmas Day | National Holiday |
| 26 Dec | Friday | Boxing Day | Bank holiday |
Working on public holidays in Belgium: What are the rules?
Belgian labour laws establish specific rules governing work on public holidays. Employees’ obligations to work on these days vary by industry, collective bargaining agreements, and individual employment contracts.
General Policy: Employees are generally not expected to work on public holidays designated for rest and recreation. However, critical services, such as healthcare, hospitality, and public transportation, have exceptions.
Mandatory time Off: Employers must provide time off on public holidays, except in sectors where continuous operation is essential, such as healthcare or emergency services.
Regional Variations: While the ten national public holidays are uniformly recognised, certain regions might observe additional holidays based on local customs and traditions.
Company-Specific Arrangements: Some organisations may mandate work on public holidays according to collective or company-specific agreements. In such instances, employees are usually compensated with additional pay or given alternate time off.
Compensation for working on public holidays
Employees working on public holidays in Belgium are entitled to specific compensations, usually detailed in employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. A prevalent form of compensation is overtime pay, with employees often receiving double their regular hourly wage for working on these days.
Alternatively, some employees might be granted compensatory time off instead of additional pay. The employer and employee can agree to defer the time off.
Impact of public holidays on businesses
Public holidays can considerably impact business operations, particularly for sectors that depend on direct customer interaction or continuous service.
Tips: Here’s how businesses can prepare:
Planning: Planning ahead ensures compliance and allows your workforce to enjoy their time off.
Operational Adjustments: Retailers, restaurants, and service providers may need to adjust operating hours or close entirely on public holidays. Planning is key.
Workforce Management: Businesses that remain open require workforce scheduling. Ensure sufficient staff are present while respecting employees’ rights to rest. Consider a rota system for fair workload distribution.
Communication:
Customers: Inform customers of changes to operating hours or services via social media, websites, and email updates.
Employees: Ensure employees receive sufficient notice of any requirement to work a public holiday and set out their compensation.
Compliance with Access Financial
Managing a large number of workers while maintaining compliance can be overwhelming. At Access Financial, we understand the challenges you face in growing your business.
When you partner with Access Financial to engage workers in Belgium, we will help you navigate Belgian labour laws.
Do speak to our team today!
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +352 62 167 7847
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