‘Big return to office’ unlikely for Belgian workers

• 80% of professionals would consider changing jobs if hybrid work arrangements were removed
• 31% of professionals identifies a better work-life balance as a main reason to change jobs in 2025
• 70% of employers considers hybrid work as a top retention strategy
• 83% of employers has no plans to cut back on hybrid work options in 2025
   

As we approach 2025, the conversation around remote work seems to have shifted from debate to consensus. The latest salary survey by recruitment specialist Robert Walters reveals an alignment between Belgian professionals and employers on the value of flexible working arrangements. 

“This trend indicates that remote work is no longer just a temporary adjustment – it has become a steady feature of workplace culture,” says Jens Spittael-Speeckaert, Associate Director at Robert Walters.

Why flexibility matters to employees

For employees, the message is clear: flexibility is a priority. Nearly half (48%) of professionals reported they would start looking to change jobs if flexible hours or hybrid work arrangements were removed, with an additional 32% stating that they might explore job changes while also considering other factors such as salary or benefits. This makes flexibility a significant factor in job satisfaction and retention.

Furthermore, nearly a third of professionals identified a better work-life balance as one of the top reasons for seeking new opportunities in 2025. “It’s no secret that remote and hybrid work setups have a major positive impact on work-life balance, which plays an important role in job satisfaction for today's employees,” Jens explains.

Employers are listening

Interestingly, employers are in tune with these sentiments. A substantial 70% of organizations ranked flexible working arrangements as one of their most effective retention strategies. This reflects a growing recognition among leadership that maintaining a motivated workforce requires more than competitive pay; it also demands adaptable work policies.

Jens: “Moreover, the survey revealed that 83% of employers plan to maintain their current remote work policies in 2025, and 3% even intend to expand remote work opportunities.

Organizations clearly understand the risks of rolling back flexibility and the potential impact it could have on employee loyalty.

Challenges of hybrid work

Despite their commitment, employers are candid about the challenges posed by hybrid work. The most frequently cited issues include communication and collaboration difficulties (55%), managing team dynamics and culture (48%), and ensuring employee engagement (34%). Technology and infrastructure issues and concerns about monitoring productivity were also noted but were less prevalent.

“Notably, a fifth of employers reported no significant challenges with hybrid work, suggesting that, for many, the model is already functioning well with the right systems and practices in place,” Jens notes.

Flexibility in 2025

The survey results clearly show that both employees and employers recognize the value of flexible work arrangements, albeit for different reasons. For professionals, it’s about achieving work-life balance and autonomy. For employers, it’s about retaining top talent in a competitive market.

“This alignment presents an opportunity for organizations to refine their hybrid models, addressing the challenges while continuing to reap the benefits of a flexible work setup. For the coming year, the stage is set for a more balanced, productive and engaged workforce,” Jens concludes. 

For more insights into the job market and other salaries within administration, you can request free access to Robert Walters' digital salary guide.