
Bad weather, such as snowfall, sleet or storms, can make travelling to the office quite difficult. But what can your employer expect from you in such situations? Is working from home an option? What if you think the risk is too great? In this blog you can read all about your rights and obligations as an employee.
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Bad weather: always to the office?
As an employee, you should, in principle, arrive at work on time, regardless of the weather conditions. However, sometimes your employer cannot require you to come to work, such as in extremely bad weather that makes the journey unsafe.
- Reasonableness and fairness: Your employer may not make unreasonable demands. In extremely bad weather, which makes traveling really unsafe, you can appeal to the unsafe situation.
- Force of the majority: When public transport comes to a standstill and travel becomes impossible, this is often considered force majeure. Your employer cannot hold you responsible for not showing up on time.
It is important to assess the situation carefully and discuss the possibilities and impossibilities with your employer.
Can you enforce working from home in bad weather?
The pandemic has made working from home more common. However, you cannot simply enforce working from home, unless specific agreements have been made about this. According to an article from DAS, your employer may refuse to work from home if your presence at the office is necessary, for example because of physical work or consultation that cannot take place online.
Important tips:
- View your employment contract: Check whether working from home in bad weather is explicitly included in your contract or company rules.
- Consult with your employer: Discuss in advance whether working from home is an option. Many employers will cooperate in reasonable situations.
- Proactive action: In case of bad weather, please indicate in advance that you expect problems with travel and propose a work-from-home day or flexible work schedule.
More information about this can be found in the DAS article: Snow coming: can you enforce working from home?.
What to do in bad weather?
If traveling is difficult or risky, there are some steps you can take:
- Assess your situation: Consult traffic information via the ANWB and weather warnings from the KNMI and see how safe it is for you to travel to work. More information about weather warnings can be found at the KNMI
- Communicate with your employer: Discuss your concerns and suggest alternatives, such as working from home or taking a day off.
- Check your collective labor agreement: Some collective labor agreements contain agreements on working from home or flexible working hours in special circumstances.
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Practical tips for employees
- Plan ahead: Don't wait until the last minute. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and traffic information.
- Be transparent: Explain your situation to your employer and propose a feasible solution.
- Check alternatives: Look into options such as public transportation, carpooling, working from home or traveling at a later time.
How do De Unie can help
Are you in conflict with your employer about travelling in bad weather? Or do you want to know what your rights are? De Unie offers legal advice and practical support. Contact us at 0345 851 963 of sc@unie.nl. Join today and become stronger in your work!