The enduring presence of telework in Belgium
A recent Belgian survey, conducted between October 2024 and July 2025, confirms that telework is deeply embedded in professional habits following the coronavirus pandemic. This shift has led to a remarkable reduction of 14 million kilometers driven daily by car.
The data shows nuanced regional adoption: 77% of Flemish employees telework one to two days per week, while in Brussels, a third of employees work up to three days from home. Commuters using the train are the most inclined to telework, with 65% opting for remote work days. Preferred telework days are notably Wednesday and Friday.
Understanding telework motivations and challenges
The primary drivers for employees embracing telework are significant time savings and an improved work-life balance. This flexibility also encourages sustainable transport, with 30% of motorists considering cycling or public transport more often if given telework options.
Moreover, the propensity to telework increases with commute distance; over half of employees with a commute exceeding 50 kilometers telework at least one day per week. While the benefits are clear, challenges persist. A significant 37% of respondents are deterred by the loss of social contact, and increased costs for heating, electricity, and water at home also present a notable barrier.
Employer policies: a varied landscape
Employer policies regarding telework vary across regions. The survey reveals that 70% of Walloon employers do not authorize telework, a figure slightly higher than in Flanders, where 62% do not permit it. This indicates that while telework is prevalent among employees, a substantial portion of businesses still maintain a traditional in-office approach, or offer limited options. Interestingly, 97% of telework is performed from home, with satellite offices still largely underutilized at only 7%.
Strategic implications for your business space
Optimizing for hybrid work models
For businesses seeking office or warehouse space, these trends underscore the need for flexible and adaptable real estate solutions. With a significant portion of employees teleworking on specific days, companies might consider smaller primary office footprints, complemented by agile workspaces designed for collaboration rather than individual desks.
The challenge of 'loss of social contact' highlights the importance of creating engaging, community-focused office environments that employees are eager to visit for team building and face-to-face interaction.
Rethinking location and accessibility
The correlation between telework and commute distance, coupled with train commuters' preference for remote work, suggests a strategic re-evaluation of office locations.
Businesses might benefit from spaces that are easily accessible via public transport or consider a 'hub-and-spoke' model with smaller satellite offices closer to employee residential areas, especially given the low current utilization rate. This could reduce daily commutes, align with sustainable transport goals, and attract a wider talent pool.
Designing for employee well-being and efficiency
Addressing the increased utility costs for teleworkers, businesses can enhance the appeal of their physical offices by ensuring they are comfortable, energy-efficient, and well-equipped. Providing a superior work environment when employees are on-site can be a significant draw, fostering productivity and satisfaction.
For businesses needing warehouse space, understanding that administrative staff may telework can influence the design and allocation of accompanying office facilities within or adjacent to the warehouse, potentially requiring less dedicated desk space and more flexible meeting areas.
Source: rtbf.be
