New social measures as of 1 January 2026: summary for employers

From 2026, several social measures resulting from the government agreement will come into force, with a direct impact on work organisation, absence management and social dialogue within companies. The stated objective is to strengthen career support, improve absence prevention and facilitate skills adaptation.

A first series of provisions concerns training. The annual individual training requirement is being strengthened and is part of a multi-year approach. Companies will have to guarantee a minimum number of training days per worker, accompanied by structured internal monitoring. The legislator thus wishes to align the Belgian market with European standards in terms of employability.

A second set of measures aims to provide a more detailed framework for long-term absences. Workers on sick leave will be supported by occupational psychologists and medical advisers as part of a gradual reintegration process. Employers will be required to implement prevention policies and document their analysis of suitable positions. This approach combines prevention, medical supervision and a reinforced obligation of means.

The section on occasional teleworking clarifies the rights and obligations of workers and employers. It provides for harmonised procedures for requests, reasoned refusals, reimbursement of expenses and data protection. The stated objective is to secure teleworking outside a structural framework, which is often used for occasional personal constraints.

Social inspectors will also have an expanded framework for monitoring and sanctions, particularly in terms of training, safety and psychosocial risk prevention obligations. Employers will have to strengthen their archiving, compliance evidence and the role of external prevention services.

For management and human resources, this reform requires an update of work regulations, internal policies and support processes. For workers, the measures create new rights while strengthening certain obligations to cooperate in reintegration processes.