Amsterdam court backs Booking.com office attendance policy

Investing.com -- An Amsterdam court ruled on Wednesday that Booking.com can require employees to spend at least 40% of their working time in the office.

The court found that the company's requirement for in-person contact is reasonable as it promotes team cohesion, training and development, and effective collaboration. The ruling noted that mandatory attendance is justified in part because a voluntary arrangement had failed.

Under the current voluntary arrangement, only 27% of employees meet the 40% office threshold.

Booking.com filed a lawsuit against its works council after the council refused to consent to the new policy. Under the Works Councils Act, a court may grant permission if it deems the council's refusal unreasonable.

The court determined the works council could not reasonably have withheld its consent, considering Booking.com's managerial discretion and its right to give employees reasonable workplace instructions.

The policy includes a six-month transition period and a hardship clause for employees who face genuine difficulties. An earlier proposal had called for 50% to 60% mandatory attendance.

The court said Booking.com must continue to ensure sufficient workstations so every employee who comes to the office has a place to sit.

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