Mandatory time registration from 2027: what does that mean for your company in concrete terms?
January 2026 - From 2027, time will be something that every employer must keep track of meticulously. As part of the recent budget agreement, the federal government introduced a general obligation for employees to register their working hours, regardless of the size of the company or the type of job.
For many SMEs, this is a radical change. Whereas today's working practices are often based on trust and flexibility, there will soon be a legal obligation to record working hours objectively. What exactly does this obligation entail, why is it being introduced and how can you, as an entrepreneur, best prepare for it?
Why this obligation is being introduced
The origin of the measure lies at European level. A few years ago, the European Court of Justice ruled that rules on maximum working hours and rest periods are only enforceable if the hours worked are correctly recorded. Without reliable records, monitoring is impossible. Recent case law has reinforced this view, requiring Member States – including Belgium – to amend their legislation.
Until now, our country only had specific obligations, for example for part-time work or specific working hours. There was no general registration obligation for all employees. This will change from 2027: every company will have to be able to demonstrate when employees start and finish work.
A return to the time clock?
The answer to this question is clear: no! It is important to note that the legislator is not imposing a fixed system. The traditional time clock is therefore not mandatory. Digital solutions, mobile apps, badge or software systems are also eligible, as long as they are reliable, objective and accessible. Even a form of retroactive registration may suffice, provided that abuse is avoided.
This flexibility is no coincidence. It is intended to prevent the new obligation from conflicting with previous reforms that have made more autonomy possible, such as flexible working hours, working from home and project-based working.
Flexibility versus control: a tension
Nevertheless, many entrepreneurs feel concerned. In recent years, there has been a strong focus on flexibility: fewer fixed schedules, more flexible rules on working hours and more freedom for employees and employers. Mandatory registration seems to be putting this back into a (too?) rigid formal framework.
In practice, however, this measure does not have to be a step backwards. A well-chosen registration system can provide clarity and peace of mind. It prevents discussions about overtime, makes work pressure more visible and offers legal protection in the event of inspections or conflicts. For some SMEs, it can even lead to more efficient planning and more transparent payroll administration.
Why take action now?
Although the exact legislation is still being prepared, waiting is not a good idea. After all, time registration not only has links with technology, but also with the corporate culture and internal agreements within your organisation. A well-considered approach is crucial, especially in a working environment with a lot of home working or flexible hours. Those who start too late risk a hasty implementation that will meet with resistance.
7 practical tips to help you prepare
· Analyse how working hours are currently monitored: many SMEs already keep partial records, often without referring to it as such. Map out existing practices.
· Identify high-risk roles: think of roles with a high degree of autonomy, variable hours or project work.
· Choose technology that suits your organisation: user-friendliness is at least as important as functionality.
· Ensure clear internal agreements: establish how to deal with working from home, breaks, overtime and availability.
· Involve managers in good time: they play a key role in daily implementation and monitoring.
· Communicate transparently with your employees: make it clear that registration does not imply mistrust, but offers legal certainty.
· Test and adjust before 2027: a trial period allows you to iron out any teething problems without time pressure.
