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Belgian self-employed work 57 hours on average
Self-employed people in Belgium work, on average, 57 hours per week, and "have a hard time distancing themselves from their work", according to new stats from social security firm Securex.
The study of 400 self-employed workers, carried out by Ghent university professors, found three quarters of respondents put in more than 50 working hours a week - and 10% exceeded 80 hours.
Four out of five people surveyed said their work was having a negative impact on their home life. "Having a disonnect is very important, but it's not easy. This lack of a clear disconnect induces stress. Some self-employed people inflict it on themselves," said Hermina Van Collie, HR research expert at Securex.
"Belgian independent workers are setting the bar very high. They work a lot, take few holidays and have a hard time distancing themselves from their business," she added.
Thinking of becoming self-employed in Belgium? Read our handy guide here.
Comments
Thinking of becoming self-employed in Belgium?
Think again. Either move to a country with a kinder, gentler and above all fairer system or work as an employee here.