Working from home in the Netherlands: 6 Things Employer and Employee Should Know

Ever since the corona pandemic, working from home is more popular than ever in the Netherlands. According to the Dutch government, 4 out of 10 people regularly work from home in the Netherlands. The Dutch government even took on a law during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it obligatory for employees who regularly work from home to receive an allowance: the work from home allowance (also known as “thuiswerkvergoeding”). This blog provides employers and employees with 7 important facts about working from home in the Netherlands including rights, permissions and the work from home allowance.

1. It is allowed to work from home in the Netherlands

A question we often get from both employers and employees is if working from home is allowed in the Netherlands. The answer to this question is: yes. Working from home is definitely allowed in the Netherlands and the Dutch government actively encourages this flexible work arrangement. However, there are a few legal aspects such as employment contracts, health and safety regulations and privacy concerns that need to be considered.

2. An employee has the right to submit a request to work from home in the Netherlands

If an employee wants to work from home, the first person they should discuss it with is their employer. Their employer decides if it is possible or not. According to the Dutch Flexible Working Act, an employee can request to work from home if they have a valid reason to do so. Valid reasons can be health related issues or having to stay at home for their child(ren). There are furthermore no legal rights that an employee has to work from home.

3. An employer does not necessarily have to accept a request of an employee who wants to work from home

If an employee submits a request to work from home, an employer is not obligated to accept the request. Even if the employee has a valid reason to work from home (according to the Dutch Flexible Working Act). However, an employer must have a valid reason to deny it, such as work not being able to be done outside of the office or if working from home causes problems with the working schedule.

4. An employer needs to provide a safe and proper place home office if an employee wants to work from home

If an employee regularly works from home or if both parties agree on the request to work from home, an employer is obligated to provide a safe and proper place to work for them according to the Working Conditions Act. This act is not only required at the office, but also at the employee’s home office.

This means that an employer is still responsible to provide for example a laptop, extra computer screens and a proper keyboard. Good to note is that this goes as far as  reasonable, an employer can not be held accountable for not providing a good coffee machine. These items remain the property of the employer. If the employee no longer wants, can or is allowed to work from home or if the employee leaves the company, all items made available must be returned immediately.

5. Employees get a tax-free working-from-home allowance (=”thuiswerkvergoeding”)

Any employee who works regularly, part time or fulltime from home, is eligable to receive a certain amount of allowance. This working from home allowance is to compensate for necessities while working from home, such as heating, water and coffee costs. Employers can reimburse these costs tax-free with a working from home allowance. The allowance is in 2023 EUR 2.15 per day.

6. Work-from-home allowance and travel allowance can not be paid on the same day

An employer is not able to pay employees work-from-home allowance and travel allowance on the same day. However, an employer and employee can discuss beforehand on the amount of days an employee works from home every period. This way, both parties do not need to keep track of the amount of days the employee worked from home.

7. Employees who work from home still need to be insured

Any employee who works in the Netherlands has to be insured. This does not change when employees work partly or fulltime from home. This also covers the fact that employees are still protected by legislation for work-related accidents and illnesses when working from home.

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When it comes to hiring employees in the Netherlands, there are numerous factors to think about, including local laws, regulations, taxes and other administrative tasks. Keeping track of all these aspects, while striving to maintain compliant and ensuring the well being of your employers can be challenging. Luckily, as The One Stop Shop, we can take over all your worries with our international payroll services. We take over all administrative and legal tasks, for an all in one cost per month. Choose to save money and time, read more about our service on this page.