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Wage increase or extra holidays?

An increasing number of employees prefers extra days off from work, instead of a pay rise, in order to keep a good balance between work and private life. A poll conducted by the employers' organisation Voka shows that employers are accepting the idea and are more prepared to honour that wish.
Michaël Torfs
CHASSENET / BSIP

Work pressure is high, and the federal government recently scrapped the possibility to claim a small extra benefit for those taking a sabbatical, or deciding to work part-time as they need more time off to find a good balance. 

However, there could be a solution. More companies are adopting the idea to give their employees more days off, if these make a financial sacrifice. Less wage for extra holidays, or no pay rise, but more days off instead. Flexibility on the labour market is growing, at both sides.

A poll conducted by Voka shows that 1 in 4 companies are prepared to do this. They often find it hard to find talented, hard-working people, and try to meet employees half-way. However, employers underline that the extra holidays should not impact on production levels.

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