Understanding Belgian Working Culture

Belgium has been a prime destination for expats seeking job opportunities, good wages, great work-life balance, good quality of life, and roles where they can truly earn, learn, and grow without burning out.

However, there’s one thing to know with Belgium; work culture is something that you’ll have to get used to. Also, the way people handle their roles and do business may vary greatly depending on the region, industry, and even the company itself. This article is dedicated to uncovering the ins and outs of work culture in Belgium and if you’ve been thinking of applying for your dream job there, take a look at these principles that we’ve gathered.

Working Culture in Belgium: All About Flexibility

You’ve probably heard how Belgium embraced the four-day workweek back in 2022, giving employees the opportunity to work their full-time hours (38-40h/week) over four days, with longer hours rather than reducing the total number of workhours. 

While the compressed workweek was designed to empower the right to disconnect and give more freedom for workers, currently only a small percentage of employees and employers are using this flexible work arrangement.

In 2024, another four-day arrangement was tested, with reduced hours and no loss of pay. This trial reduced work hours to 32, while pet pay was 100%. So far, the testing is still on, but has shown a growing sentiment to fight ongoing labour problems like burnout and the impact of new technologies.

Regarding work-life balance and flexibility, the conversation in Belgium is moving beyond simply compressing the workweek to a more fundamental discussion about a shorter, smarter, and more balanced approach to work.

1. Understanding Linguistic Differences in Belgium

Before discussing Belgium’s working culture, you need to understand that the country has three official languages: German, Dutch, and French. This is crucial if you are looking for a job in a Belgian company. While language may not be a huge concern, since you will be speaking English, some cultural differences may carry over and show in work environments as well.

Keep in mind that Flanders is typically Dutch-speaking, Wallonia is French-speaking, and Brussels tends to be bilingual. 

Also, work culture may also differ slightly based on region. For starters, Walloons tend to be more hierarchical than Flemmings, as Flemish workers prefer leaders who consider their opinions and delegate tasks, with less formality. In Walloons, there’s a strict hierarchy, and relationships between managers and workers are formal, with the former making all the decisions without consulting the latter.

2. Emphasise Handshakes

When meeting Belgians for the first time, greeting them with a brief and gentle handshake is the best idea, especially in a formal context. Some may say that you can get “bonus points” if you greet them in their native languages, like aangenaam in Dutch or enchanté in French.

You may even greet someone with a cheek kiss (3 kisses for Francophones and one for Flemish Belgians), however, sticking to handshakes may be a safer bet. You may also let your Belgian coworker take the lead, to avoid any confusion.

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3. Sensitive Topics Are a No-No

Dutch-speaking Belgians value direct communication. Still, small talk can be a great way to ease into everyday work, but you should avoid sensitive topics.especially about Flemish and Walloon conflicts and any negative sentiments about linguistic diversity in the country. 

On the other hand, there are several safe topics to talk about, just like anywhere: sports, food, drink, culture, the weather, and so on.

4. Be Reserved With Body Language

Belgians are typically reserved when it comes to body language. While maintaining eye contact and smiling is considered favourable, other physical gestures should be kept to a minimum. For instance, snapping your fingers is considered impolite.

As with any culture, there are particular things that are generally considered rude. Following these simple rules can help you better integrate with Belgian business etiquette and work culture:

• Don’t put your hands in your pockets when you are having a conversation with someone.
• Don’t point with your finger.
• Avoid snapping to get someone’s attention.
• Take off your sunglasses when having a conversation with someone.
• Instead of circling your index finger and your thumb, show a thumbs up when you are using the “OK” sign

5. Use People’s Full Names When Addressing Them

When conversing with your superiors (or conducting business), try to stick to the formal pronoun vous/u to address them. Using the informal tu/je or the first names, should be avoided, unless previously suggested. 

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To keep things safe and professional, stick Meneer/Mevrouw in Dutch or Monsieur/Madame in French, plus their last names. And if you’re unsure, you can always use English (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms).

6. Separate Work and Private Life

Belgium takes third place globally regarding work-life balance structure, which means that mixing private life and business (or any other type of work) is not welcomed. As such, refrain from discussing personal matters during work hours, and avoid calling your coworkers when not on your job with work-related things. In fact, it’s illegal for employers to call their employees during their off-time.

Going out for drinks after work with coworkers is also uncommon. And even if you do meet up with people from work for a drink or two, the conversation will not be related to work.

7. Be Punctual and Schedule in Advance

Punctuality is important in the country, and this means that you should always schedule a work-related meeting at least a few days in advance, and show up on time. And while running late is inevitable sometimes, when it happens, always ensure that you call and explain why you are late, together with giving an estimate of your arrival.

8. Provide Reason for Your Ideas

According to business insights, the power distance is relatively high in the country, and people tend to avoid uncertainty. What this actually means is that Belgians need quite a lot of structure and hierarchy, which means that implementing changes within a company can take a lot of time.

Belgians may seem distant and reserved to new ideas and before any kind of change can be implemented, they need to go over a long and considerate discussion before reaching a consensus.

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That’s why proper reasoning is important in Belgian workplace culture if you are suggesting something. Back up your claims with facts and logic. Be patient and try not to get overly emotional if people are hesitant to hear you out. While both Walloons and Flemings are direct, being passionate and confrontational about your suggestion may seem rude to them. If you want to change something in the workplace, be ready for compromises, be diplomatic and avoid conflict.

9. Avoid Gifts At Meetings

While sending gifts to a client or a partner is considered normal in some countries, the work culture in Belgium dictates otherwise. Gifts and similar things may actually make the business associate/coworker/client feel uncomfortable.

Still, you can bring gifts if you really want. However, just make sure that it’s something very modest. Also, if you get an end-of-year gift from your company, take it as a sign of appreciation. It’s also polite to open the gift right away and thank what you’ve just got.

10. Dress for The Occasion

In the blue-collar sphere, the formal dress code usually means wearing uniforms or the necessary safety clothes to avoid injuries during work. Formal attire is mostly reserved for business meetings and the white-collar world. However, as a part of Belgian business etiquette, you should consider dressing up for job interviews. Belgium can be rather conservative from this perspective, so going for muted colors and smart casual clothes is a safe idea.

Find Jobs In Belgium With Robin

Belgium’s working culture might have its own set of rules, but once you understand and adapt to them, you’ll find that it offers an incredibly rewarding professional experience. From its strong commitment to work-life balance to the respectful and structured business environment, Belgium gives you the chance to thrive both at work and outside of it.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and put these insights into practice, explore our free vacancies today. Your next opportunity in Belgium could be just a click away, and it might be even better than you imagined.