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ARTICLE · 26 FEBRUARY 2026

Game-changing Rules For Managing Sick Leave: What Every Employer Must Know Now

ALTIUS
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On 1 January 2026, new legal rules entered into force aimed at accelerating the reintegration of incapacitated employees.

BelgiumEmployment and HR
Esther Soetens
Esther Soetens
Hannah Ducheyne
Hannah Ducheyne
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The landscape of employee incapacity has fundamentally shifted. Are you prepared?

On 1 January 2026, new legal rules entered into force aimed at accelerating the reintegration of incapacitated employees. They include important changes to the reintegration track and the force majeure track, as well as the obligation for employers to include a procedure for maintaining contact with sick employees in their work rules, restrictions on sick days without medical certificate, and new rules regarding relapse.

This article provides an overview of the most important changes for employers and employees .

1. The reinforced reintegration track 3.0

1.1 Introduction of a so-called "preventive" reintegration track

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