Four-Day Work Week in Netherlands
Sunday, 2026/02/15197 words3 minutes849 reads
The Netherlands has quietly embraced the four-day working week, with employees averaging just 32.1 hours weekly—the lowest in the EU. Companies like Amsterdam-based Positivity Branding pioneered this shift in 2019, maintaining salaries while reducing hours. Co-founder Bert de Wit frames it as "working smarter not harder," prioritizing work-life balance without compromising output.
Dutch GDP per capita remains among Europe's highest, challenging assumptions that economic competitiveness requires long hours. Marieke Pepers of software firm Nmbrs reports reduced absenteeism and improved retention since implementation. However, OECD economist Daniela Glocker warns that Dutch productivity has stagnated over 15 years.
The Netherlands faces demographic pressures from an aging population and has the OECD's highest share of part-time workers. Cultural norms particularly affect women—over half work part-time, with societal expectations limiting mothers' working hours. A 2024 study revealed 80% believe mothers with young children should work maximum three days weekly.
Economists argue the model's sustainability depends on either productivity gains or labor supply expansion. While unions advocate that four-day weeks can retain workers who might otherwise exit the workforce, the OECD cautions that the country is "hitting constraints on all sides." The challenge lies in balancing quality of life with economic imperatives.
