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Federal coronavirus aid measures extended until 30 September

2021-06-17T07:49:29+00:00

The Belgian Government has agreed to extend a series of coronavirus aid measures to 30 September. The measures include: Since 9 June working from home is no longer compulsory but the return to work should be gradual, limiting interaction and respecting the 1m50 social distancing rules. The COVID allowance of up to 144.31 euros can still be paid to employees who work from home in July, August and September. If you still have employees on temporary unemployment due to ‘force majeure’ you can continue to use this scheme until 30 September.  The professional withholding tax on temporary unemployment benefits will remain at 15% until 30 September. The government intends to change course as of 1 October and focus on more exceptional measures and recovery initiatives. Sources Acerta 

Federal coronavirus aid measures extended until 30 September2021-06-17T07:49:29+00:00

Even when employees are sick, most of them are still willing to help out if they can

2021-06-09T12:24:06+00:00

When employees are off sick, most employers tend not to contact their absent staff believing that they need a proper rest to get better. However this could be a missed opportunity as a survey commissioned by Mensura and Certimed found that 8 out of 10 employees are open to staying in touch with work and are even willing to help limit the additional workload that may have fallen on their immediate colleagues. Sources HR alert

Even when employees are sick, most of them are still willing to help out if they can2021-06-09T12:24:06+00:00

Living, working and COVID19

2021-05-19T13:43:57+00:00

During these times of long crisis, a study by Eurofound has shown a decline in mental health and trust in government across the EU between 2020 and 2021.  Here are the highlights:  All age groups register a low mental well-being, especially young people.  The number of people who have difficulties in making ends meet has increased during the pandemic.  Trust in national governments is declining as well as in public institutions.  A hesitancy wave in getting vaccinated is sweeping the EU and affects men more than women.  Social media and declining trust are big factors in vaccine hesitancy. You can find the full report in English here.  Sources EuroFound

Living, working and COVID192021-05-19T13:43:57+00:00

New Corona bonus of 500 euros

2021-05-19T13:42:43+00:00

The federal government is proposing that companies that did well during the 2020 pay their employees a non-compulsory "corona bonus" of up to 500 euros net in the form of checks along the line of the eco checks and lunch voucher model. They will have a short validity so that the money is spent quickly in local shops. The amount of 500 euros is a maximum. The bonus will be granted in the year 2021. The actual list of stores and organizations where you can spend your corona reward is yet to be determined. "The idea is that people will be able to use it for everyday expenses, like shopping at the supermarket."  The issuers of these checks last year were the classic meal ticket providers: Sodexo, Edenred and Monizze.  Sources HR Alert 

New Corona bonus of 500 euros2021-05-19T13:42:43+00:00

Return to the office in June; Working from home no longer compulsory

2021-05-19T10:36:01+00:00

Beginning June 9, you will be able to progressively schedule comeback sessions for up to 20% of your staff at the same time. Each employee will be able to come to work once a week. For SMEs with fewer than 10 employees, a maximum of 5 employees can be present at the same time. Corona tests are recommended but not compulsory.  As of July 1, working from home will no longer be required, but "recommended" for anyone whose job allows it.  There are several conditions to respect for this return to work:  First, the purpose of the return is to promote the psycho-social well-being of the employees and the team spirit ; Employees cannot be obliged to participate in these progressive returns;  The employer has to ensure that the rules on social distancing, hygiene measures, ventilation, etc.. are respected;  It is best to avoid car-sharing or using public transport during peak hours for the home to work journeys. Sources SD Worx

Return to the office in June; Working from home no longer compulsory2021-05-19T10:36:01+00:00

Corona tips: Appropriate ventilation at low cost

2021-05-11T09:48:21+00:00

The pandemic has reminded everyone of the importance of good ventilation and airing rooms. But what policies do you need to put in place as an employer to minimise the risk of infection in the workplace? The Corona Commission has produced a handy guide to indoor air quality including tips, a step-by-step plan and a checklist.  To limit the risk of contamination through poor air quality, the main objective is to ensure sufficient ventilation in all rooms (opening windows and doors) and to take corrective measures in rooms where ventilation is clearly insufficient. The detailed recommendations, info about the relevance of CO2 concentration and how to measure it are available in French here:  https://www.hralert.be/fr/news/hr-news/bien-ventiler-faible-cout-les-conseils-du-commissariat-corona Sources HR Alert

Corona tips: Appropriate ventilation at low cost2021-05-11T09:48:21+00:00

Back to the office in June? Get ready now

2021-04-27T13:41:08+00:00

According to Attentia, staff working from home will be able to gradually return to the workplace starting in June. Start preparing now so you can be safe and efficient.  Two main focus points:  The number of employees in the office If everyone returns to the workplace at the same time, it probably won’t be possible to maintain sufficient distance and air quality. Coordinate among your team, set up a rota and make sure everyone knows the rules. It may be useful to provide CO2 meters in frequently used areas. This provides an objective, real-time estimate of whether the ventilation capacity is sufficient for the number of employees present. Psychosocial aspects  For many employees, returning to work will be a welcome change. Some employers have identified "home working fatigue" among their employees. For some staff members, however, the physical return to work will be a stressful event. They may be afraid of being infected by a colleague or not looking forward to the commute. Good preparation and communication about preventive measures taken can alleviate many concerns, as can clear guidelines for the employees themselves; such as keeping your distance, wearing a mouth mask, etc. Progressive adaptation is key.  [...]

Back to the office in June? Get ready now2021-04-27T13:41:08+00:00

Resignations are down in the Belgian workforce

2021-04-27T10:19:19+00:00

No surprises here but a confirmation from a Securex study: In 2020 employees played it safe by holding on to their jobs in this health crisis. Job opportunities are lower because of the crisis and employees, despite questioning their role within their company, prefer to play it safe," analyzes Guillaume Bosmans, HR research expert at Securex. "When the crisis is over, we should expect a more dynamic recovery of the employment market with more voluntary departures assuming that there are more openings." This trend applies to all regions, although the rate of voluntary departures is slightly higher in Flanders (5.3%, compared to 4.44% in Wallonia and 4.84% in Brussels). On the other hand, involuntary departures increased by 16% last year, mainly due to a significant increase in bankruptcies and retirements, which reached their highest rate since 2015 but also because of the health crisis.  Sources L'Echo

Resignations are down in the Belgian workforce2021-04-27T10:19:19+00:00

The mobility budget, what is it and how do you use it?

2021-04-27T10:06:28+00:00

The mobility budget applies to all employees that have a car company or that are eligible to have one.  What’s the mobility budget all about? It allows employees to transfer their “company car budget” into a flexible mobility budget for private mobility It’s optional: employers & employees can choose it if it works for them It gives employers the freedom to define which transport options are available, as long as they’re sustainable It can be spent by the employee (& family) on sustainable mobility It can be cost neutral for the employer The mobility budget is intended to wean Belgian employees off company cars. Benefits: Helping fight climate change Contributing to employee well-being Flexibility Fiscally attractive Save time and increase productivity The amount of the mobility budget is based on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the company car for the employer, the calculation can vary from employee to employee. Here are some examples of how the mobility budget is used: As a contribution towards an electric car For a bike, e-scooter or [...]

The mobility budget, what is it and how do you use it?2021-04-27T10:06:28+00:00

Taxing employees working from home in countries bordering Belgium

2021-04-15T11:58:57+00:00

Belgium has now extended its tax agreements with all neighbouring countries (France, Germany, The Netherlands and Luxembourg) so that any employee who is currently on a Belgian payroll but working from home due to Corona in any of these countries will continue to pay tax in Belgium as if he or she was actually in Belgium. This agreement applies until 30 June 2021. Background Belgium has concluded a double tax treaty with many countries. On this basis, an employee's professional income is in principle taxed in the country where he or she is employed (with a number of exceptions). Due to the corona crisis, many employees are no longer able to cross the border to work in Belgium. As a result, these employees (are no longer taxable in the normal country of employment (Belgium) but in the country where they live. Tax agreements in response to COVID-19 In this context, Belgium concluded a number of tax agreements with neighbouring countries in May 2020. As a result, the days of employment in the home country remained notionally taxable in the normal country of employment of the employees concerned. i.e. Belgium. These agreements were valid until March 31, 2021. Belgium is now extending [...]

Taxing employees working from home in countries bordering Belgium2021-04-15T11:58:57+00:00

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