Belgium research shows workers reducing main jobs for flexi-work

A study by HR service provider Partena Professional and research bureau iVOX involving 1,000 Belgian employees indicates a trend of workers reducing their primary employment hours to accommodate flexi-jobs. Among those planning to take on a flexi-job in the next 12 months, 22% intend to work fewer hours in their main profession.

This shift is particularly pronounced among manual laborers, with over 40% considering a reduction in main job hours, compared to 10.2% of civil servants and 19.2% of white-collar employees. Demographic data shows men (28.6%) and individuals under the age of 35 (31.9%) are more likely to consider this arrangement than women or older workers.

Labor economist Stijn Baert warns that this could lead to the displacement of regular labor. As the Belgian government seeks billions in savings, potential policy interventions include introducing social security contributions for flexi-jobs or making them less financially advantageous for those already working near full-time to prevent the erosion of standard employment.