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Remote Work in the Netherlands

Working from home policy in the Netherlands

Work from home

According to the Flexible Work Act (Wet flexibel werken), employees who have been with the company for at least six months can request to work from home.

The employee must give at least two months notice, and the employer must offer their answer back no later than one month before the proposed date. If the employer fails to respond, the request must be granted. The employer can refuse the request but must consider it and substantiate the refusal in writing.

Employees can submit such a request once a year. After the employer has approved the request to work from home, they will need a significant business reason (for example continuous underperformance of the employee) to revoke it.

Health & safety at home

The employer must ensure the health and safety of employees working from home. The corresponding rules and employer obligations are outlined in three separate pieces of legislation:

  • Working Conditions Act (Arbowet)
  • Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit)
  • Working Conditions Regulations (Arboregeling)

The organisation responsible for enforcing the legislation is Inspectorate SZW (Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid). If an employer violates this legislation, they may be fined. An employer could also be held liable for damages to the employee if, for example, they suffer from a repetitive stress injury.

Workspace guidelines in the Netherlands

If an employee asks to work from home, the employer is only responsible for providing adequate information and advice. If, however, it was the employer who requested the employee to work from home, they carry a much bigger responsibility. This includes the design of the workstation, the working method, as well as the tools necessary. The employer must ensure that the employee has an ergonomic chair and a desk at home as well as proper lighting.

Their responsibility also requires a visit to the employee’s home to assess whether their workspace complies with the regulations. That could be done either by the employer or a health and safety expert. Alternatively, the employee can send photos or videos of their environment. The employer will have to cover any costs to make the workspace ergonomically sound and safe.

If the employer wants to monitor the employee somehow, they have to create a policy available to everyone.

An appropriate workstation will include the following:

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    Right level of illumination, both natural and artificial light sources should not create glare on the computer
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    Sufficient lighting level for visual tasks to be completed without eye strain
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    The right level of ventilation and thermal comfort
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    Unobstructed exit path in case of emergencies, including electrical cords, uneven carpet, and clutter
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    Suitable storage for documents

Working conditions

Employers should put in place a general working conditions policy that includes points on how employment-related psychosocial pressure will be limited or prevented altogether. When working from home, experiencing excessive work pressure is a real threat which employers should work to avoid. This includes informing employees on health and safety risks and ways to limit them.

When creating and implementing these policies, the employer should consult with the works council or staff representation body. For smaller organisations that do not yet have a works council, the employer should consult with employees individually.

Recommendations for employees working from home:

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    Take appropriate breaks every 30 minutes to ensure repetitive actions are not continued for long periods, and stand up at least once per hour
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    Stretch and change posture often, and if possible, an alternate activity
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    Check that you have a comfortable posture
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    Don’t do any lifting, pushing, or carrying type task beyond the physical capacity
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    Keep wrists in a neutral (straight) position—not bent up or down
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    Sitting posture is upright or slightly reclined, maintaining slight hollow in the lower back
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    Establish boundaries around work hours
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    Schedule regular meetings and catch-ups with the team
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    Go outdoors and exercise daily, if possible

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