Approximately 261,000 Belgians combined a job or pension with a flexi-job last year [1].

The surge in participation reflects a shifting labor market where workers seek supplemental income and employers attempt to fill critical staffing gaps. The government intends to expand the flexi-job scheme to all sectors starting in July 2024 [1], [2].

This represents a 14% increase in participation compared to the previous year [1]. The growth indicates that the system is becoming more popular among both active employees and retirees who wish to maintain a connection to the workforce without committing to full-time permanent roles.

While the government views the expansion as a tool to address labor-market needs, the move has sparked a debate among economic stakeholders. Trade-union and business leaders are currently weighing whether these flexible positions fill a genuine demand for labor or if they displace permanent workers, a point of contention regarding long-term employment stability.

Data suggests the trend is sustainable, with projections indicating more than 250,000 participants for 2025 [2]. The current trajectory suggests that the flexi-job model is becoming a structural component of the Belgian economy rather than a temporary trend.

As the July 2024 expansion approaches, the focus remains on how the broader rollout will affect various industries. The government's goal is to leverage this flexibility to ensure that sectors facing chronic shortages can attract a wider pool of candidates who cannot or will not commit to standard contracts.

“Approximately 261,000 Belgians combined a job or pension with a flexi-job last year”

The expansion of the flexi-job system signals a strategic shift by the Belgian government to prioritize labor flexibility over traditional permanent employment structures. By allowing retirees and existing employees to easily supplement their income, the state aims to mitigate labor shortages. However, the tension between union leaders and business owners suggests a risk that this may lead to a 'gig-ification' of the workforce, potentially reducing the total number of full-time, secure positions available in the long term.