Right to Flexible Work: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you have the legal right to request changes to your working hours or location under this Dutch employment rule.
This scheme allows employees in the Netherlands to formally ask their employers for changes to their current working arrangements to better suit their personal needs.
Who it's for
To be eligible to use this right, you must have a continuous period of service with your current employer. Specifically, you qualify if you have completed at least six months of service with the company. This period of employment ensures that the request is made by an established member of the workforce rather than a brand-new hire.
What you get
If your request is granted, you gain the ability to adjust the fundamental way you carry out your professional duties. This includes the right to request changes to your working hours, such as shifting your start and end times or reducing your total weekly hours. Additionally, you can request changes to your working location, which may allow you to perform your tasks from a different site or from home.
What it costs you
There is no direct financial fee required to make a request under this scheme. However, it does require a commitment of time and effort to navigate the administrative side of the process. You are responsible for preparing and submitting a formal written request to your employer, which serves as the official starting point for the discussion regarding your working conditions.
The catch to know
While you have the right to make a request, it does not guarantee an automatic approval. An employer has the legal ability to deny your request if they can demonstrate that your proposed changes would lead to compelling business reasons that make the change impossible or highly impractical for the company to manage.
How to apply
- Confirm that you have completed at least six months of service with your current employer.
- Determine exactly what changes you need, whether they involve your specific working hours or your physical work location.
- Prepare a formal written request detailing your proposed changes to present to your employer.
- Engage in the formal process with your employer to discuss the feasibility of your request.