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The relative freedom that many workers tasted during the COVID-19 pandemic has been too sweet to let go of.

As a result, new laws and business models have been popping up with myriad companies changing their old, traditional ways slowly but surely.

The shift in attitude comes in the wake of remote working and the “Great Resignation”, which spread across both the US and the UK, with workers quitting their jobs in droves.

Companies have needed to adapt to retain and seek out new employees, with many considering more flexibility for their workforce.

There are, however, some businesses that are refusing the change.

You’ll recall that awkward moment when Elon Musk issued an ultimatum for Tesla staff to return to the office, or leave (neglecting to make enough space for them when they did arrive at work).

While the four-day workweek dream has been getting a few boosts throughout the course of the year, the Netherlands has been working on another way to grant workers more flexibility.

The Dutch Parliament just approved legislation to establish work-from-home as a legal right, reports The Telegraph, “a radical move that experts say could be followed across Europe”.

The decision still needs sign-off from the Dutch senate before it can be fully adopted, but it is still one step towards a better working environment for employees:

Martin Luff, a lawyer at Vinson and Elkins, said: “I have no doubt that lawmakers around the world will look closely at the proposed Dutch law and think about whether something similar would be worth considering in their own countries.”

Germany’s labour ministry is also apparently working on policies that could legally increase flexibility for staff.

Plus, France and Portugal are also considering protections in this area.

Not so much the UK, though, with Nick Le Riche, a partner at law firm BDP Pitmans, saying that he doubts the UK would “entertain making a change”.

Hopefully, this law ripples across the world, and not other European Union countries.

Cape Town is holding thumbs.

[source:telegraph]