Working remotely and ergonomically

Home office benefits, obligations and tips

ergonomisch telewerken

Working remotely has gained popularity in recent years, partly due to technological advances and the demand for more flexibility. It offers benefits for both employees and employers, but it is also tied to legal obligations.
In this blog post, we discuss the benefits, the legal differences between occasional and structural working from home in Belgium, and provide practical tips for a good home office.

Table of contents

The benefits of working remotely

Working remotely offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Flexibility and increased productivity: The ability to work undisturbed in a personal environment can increase focus and efficiency.
  • Time and cost saving: No commute time means more time for work or private life and savings on travel costs.
  • Better work-life balance: Employees have more control over their daily schedule, which can reduce stress.

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Structural versus occasional remote work

Working remotely in Belgium is divided by law into structural and occasional remote work, each with its own rules.

Structural remote work

Structural remote work involves employees working remotely on a regular basis. This is contractually defined in advance.

Legal obligations:

  • Written agreement mandatory.
  • Employers must provide a cost reimbursement for the use of internet, electricity and other remote working expenses. A flat rate of up to €144.31 per month (from 2024) is allowed.
  • Employers are obliged to provide necessary work tools, such as laptops and ergonomic chairs.
  • Remote workers retain the same rights to pay, insurance and protection as office-based workers.

Occasional remote work

Occasional remote work is used ad hoc, for example in cases of force majeure (such as a strike or medical appointment) or personal reasons.

Legal obligations:

  • Remote work is allowed after prior approval from the employer.
  • No written agreement is required, but the practical arrangements must be clear.
  • Employers are not obliged to pay an expense allowance or provide work resources, although this can be agreed.

Legal obligations when working remotely

The following are the main obligations for both employers and employees.

Obligations for employers

  1. Work resources and cost reimbursement:
    Employers must provide the necessary work resources (such as laptops and software) and offer cost reimbursement for structural remote work. For occasional remote work, this obligation is less fixed, but employers should in any case make clear arrangements.
  2. Ergonomics and well-being:
    Employers are responsible for the well-being of their employees, including during remote work. This means that they must provide advice on ergonomic working and workplace design.
  3. Workplace accident insurance:
    A work-related accident that happens at home during remote work is covered by work accident insurance, provided it is work-related.
  4. Privacy and monitoring:
    Employers have the right to monitor the performance of remote workers, but must be mindful of privacy laws. Excessive monitoring is not allowed.

Obligations for employees

  1. Availability:
    Remote workers must be available during agreed working hours and perform their duties with the same commitment as in the office.
  2. Ergonomic workplace:
    Although the employer is responsible for advice and work equipment, employees themselves should ensure that their workstations are set up correctly according to ergonomic guidelines.
  3. Communication:
    It is essential to maintain regular contact with the employer and colleagues to ensure team dynamics and cooperation.
  4. Respect for procedures:
    Employees should respect agreed remote work procedures and guidelines, such as the use of IT systems and data security.

Tips and tricks for an ergonomic home office

Workstation design

Make sure you have the necessary equipment such as desk table, ergonomic desk chair, separate screen, keyboard and mouse.

Correct posture

  • Keep your knees at a 90-degree angle and place your feet flat on the floor.
  • Keep your wrists straight when typing and use a separate keyboard and mouse if you work with a laptop.

Lighting and climate

  • Work in a room with sufficient daylight and avoid blinding light.
  • Ensure good ventilation and a comfortable temperature.

Exercise and breaks

  • Get up to move every half-hour and avoid long periods of sitting.
  • Do stretching exercises to loosen your muscles and prevent fatigue.

Create a clear daily structure

  • Start and end your working day at set times.
  • Plan your tasks and build in breaks, just like in the office.

Conclusion

Working remotely offers many benefits, such as flexibility and a better work-life balance. However, it is important to make clear agreements between employers and employees and comply with legal obligations. With a well-equipped home office, you can work just as effectively as in the office.

Would you like some more information on how best to work ergonomically?
Then you have come to the right place. We offer screenings and workshops to companies keen to optimise the ergonomics of their employees.

Looking for clarity?

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We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities!