Thu, 12 Feb 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?

The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, but some say it is harming its economy.

* The Netherlands has adopted a four-day working week, with employees working an average of 32 hours per week.
* Companies that have made the switch report increased productivity and better work-life balance for their employees.
* Employees who take Fridays off often use the time to pursue hobbies or spend time with family, which can be beneficial for their mental health.
* The Netherlands has one of the highest levels of part-time workers in the OECD, with almost half of employees working less than full-time hours.
* The government's own analysis notes that three out of four women and one out of four men work fewer than 35 hours per week.
* Unions argue that a four-day week can help keep people in work who might otherwise drop out altogether.
* However, the OECD warns that this strength comes with growing strains, including an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.
* Experts point to institutionalized conservatism as a barrier to women's participation in the labor market.
* A study found that one in three people in the Netherlands think mothers with young children should work no more than one day a week.
* The FNV union says a four-day working week can help close the gender gap and increase productivity.
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