Netherlands Looks Set To Make Working From Home A Legal Right For Employees

Following the Lower House’s green light this week, the Netherlands could be set to become one of the first countries in the world to make remote working a legal right for residents. 

The legislation, which is awaiting approval from the Dutch Senate, will require all employers in the country to take into consideration employees’ request to work from home so long as their job scope allows for it. 

According to Personnel Today, other countries in the region, including Germany, France, and Portugal, could soon follow suit and enshrine similar laws, though it may be unlikely to occur in the UK where remote working is already common. 

It’s no surprise more people are requesting to work remotely, since the pandemic showed that apart from front liners, most jobs could be done from the comfort of home. 

However, it remains to be seen if employers all over the globe will be keen on allowing their employees to skip the commute, with WION noting that Tesla boss Elon Musk had recently issued an ultimatum for staff to return to the office. 

[via Personnel Today and WION, cover image via Valerii Honcharuk | Dreamstime.com]