The Viability of the Four-Day Work Week in the Netherlands

Fri Feb 13 2026 00:41:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Exploring the adoption of a four-day work week in the Netherlands, its impact on employees' lives and productivity, and the economic implications of this growing trend.

In the Netherlands, the four-day work week has gained traction among many businesses, with proponents arguing it enhances work-life balance and reduces burnout. However, concerns linger about its long-term sustainability amid economic pressures and productivity challenges. Experts emphasize the need for innovative work practices to maintain competitiveness as demographic changes affect the labor market.

The Dutch have quietly adopted working just a four-day week. But what has been its impact, and can it last?

Your kids are only young once, says Gavin Arm, co-founder of Amsterdam-based small business Positivity Branding. Most people, if they're running a company, they throw themselves into it and work, work, work to try and make it. And they're probably doing it for their kids... But then they look back when they're older and go 'I missed that part of their lives', and that's awful. We don't want to be like that.

Arm is speaking to me at the firm's cosy office in De Pijp, a lively neighborhood in Amsterdam known for its bustling markets and bohemian history. His business, which he co-founded with Bert de Wit, advises companies on brand identity and packaging.

Seven years ago, they transitioned to a four-day work week without salary cuts or longer hours, focusing instead on better work-life balance. De Wit argues, In other countries they might spend a lot of time at work, but that doesn't mean they work a lot. Changing the culture and the mindset is the biggest challenge.

Four-day weeks are now common in the Netherlands, even among large corporations, while the biggest union, FNV, lobbies for official recommendations. Dutch employees also have the legal right to request reduced hours.

Marieke Pepers, chief people officer at Nmbrs, highlights her Fridays off as a means to recharge creativity, although initial resistance and skepticism were prevalent among employees. Their decision resulted in lower sickness rates and higher retention.

The Netherlands boasts an average of 32.1 working hours a week, the lowest in the EU, with economic output per capita remaining high. However, economic experts warn of stagnant productivity and the challenges of an aging population impacting the workforce.

OECD economist Daniela Glocker emphasizes that to sustain quality of life, Dutch workers need to increase productivity or attract more individuals into the workforce. The high prevalence of part-time workers, mainly women, is seen as a double-edged sword.

Becker from FNV argues that a four-day work week could close the gender gap while reducing absenteeism. The government’s analysis also suggests that women, especially mothers, are discouraged from working full-time.

Arm and De Wit believe that optimizing the four-day work structure can improve work efficiency and job appeal in sectors like education and health where shortages exist, fostering a happier workforce overall.

However, the questions remain: are these practices sustainable long-term in the fast-evolving economic landscape, and will Dutch productivity meet the challenges posed by demographic changes?

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