Great flexibility: unlock the opportunities for introducing new working time arrangements

Tags Employment

As many companies are looking for ways to align working time arrangements more closely with their operational needs, the ‘great flexibility’ framework can offer an interesting solution within the bounds of Belgian labor law.
Forvis Mazars provides dedicated support to help organizations navigate the procedure required to implement this regime.

1. Why consider ‘great flexibility’?

In order to promote employment and introduce greater flexibility in the organization of working time, the Belgian Labor Law, together with Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) n° 42, provides companies in the private sector with the opportunity, under certain conditions, to implement new working time arrangements. These arrangements aim to better align the company’s operational schedule with its actual needs.

The system operates on the principle of derogation from standard labor law rules, allowing exemptions from the following principles:

The prohibition of Sunday work;
The prohibition of work on public holidays;
The prohibition of night work;
The normal limits on working time.

Since the possibilities for flexibility are so extensive, this system is also referred to as ‘great flexibility’.

While not suitable for every employer, it can be a useful option for organizations facing recurring production peaks, continuity needs, or irregular workflows.

2. Strictly regulated: we manage the entire process

Introducing ‘great flexibility’ requires following a detailed legal procedure involving employee information, sector‑level consultation or referral, company‑level negotiations where applicable, and final integration into the work regulations of the company.

This process is technical, time‑sensitive, and highly formalized. Through our successful practical experience with the ‘great flexibility’ framework, we have built solid expertise in handling the procedure and supporting organizations throughout its implementation.

3. Legal assistance

Our team provides complete support, including:

analyzing your operational needs and identifying the appropriate flexibility model;
drafting the full proposal (working hours, breaks, organization of working time, employment impact, justification towards the authorities);
preparing employee communications;
managing submissions to the Joint Labor Committee;
monitoring all legal deadlines and procedural obligations;
integrating the approved regime into your work regulations.

Our labor law team is happy tot assist you in all matters regarding the implementation of the ‘great flexibility’ framework within your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact us.