Booking.com works council challenges mandatory office days
The works council at Booking.com has launched an appeal against a court decision that permits the company to mandate office attendance for employees. While the company argues that physical presence improves collaboration and training, the council contends that the policy lacks sufficient justification and evidence of its benefits.
The works council of Booking.com has initiated an appeal against a court ruling that allows the company to enforce mandatory office attendance. Previously, the company only recommended that employees spend at least 40 percent of their working time in the office, but only a quarter of the staff complied with this suggestion. Booking.com successfully argued in court that physical presence is essential for improving team collaboration, onboarding new hires, and strengthening interpersonal bonds among staff members.
The works council disputes the ruling, claiming that the court failed to properly apply legal criteria and that Booking.com provided no concrete evidence that mandatory office days improve workplace culture or operational objectives. Despite the pending appeal, the court's initial decision remains in effect, meaning employees are currently required to be in the office two days per week. The legal outcome is being closely watched by other employers who are similarly seeking to adjust their remote work policies and may resort to litigation if their own works councils refuse to support such changes.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
