As Prinsjesdag approaches, the day when the Dutch government outlines its budget and policy for the coming year, labor unions CNV and FNV are making waves with their push for a shorter workweek in the Netherlands.
FNV, the largest union in the country, is at the forefront, calling for a four-day, 32-hour workweek. Zakaria Boufangacha, the union’s vice president, shares the rationale: “We’re tackling the labor market shortage. Studies indicate that a four-day workweek can boost the labor supply, enhance productivity, and lower absenteeism, making full-time roles more appealing.”
This summer, Dutch software firm Afas announced its plan to implement a four-day workweek for all employees starting January 1, 2025, closing every Friday. CEO Bas van der Veldt says, “We’re among the first major companies in the Netherlands to take this step. While we know it’s not feasible for every business, we hope it sparks a broader movement. It’s about achieving a better work-life balance, making work inviting, and redefining the way we view our jobs through innovation. Plus, it’s about personal happiness and contributing to others’ happiness.”
Afas wants its staff to focus on personal development, care for children, engage in volunteer work, and support those in need. They’re branding Fridays as “development days.” Van der Veldt highlights, “Time is a precious commodity. Life often feels like a treadmill, and this initiative opens up more space to focus on what truly matters.”
With the shift to a four-day week, employees will retain their current benefits—salary, vacation pay, and pension plans. They’ll still work eight hours each day, and any staff already on a four-day schedule will receive compensation.
Afas has seen its workforce productivity grow by 650% over the past 25 years. Van der Veldt views the new workweek as an innovative opportunity that could further enhance productivity. He explains, “This bold move excites us. We’ve already demonstrated what’s possible with smart automation and AI. We believe it will unleash even more creativity.”
The four-day workweek is not entirely new in the Netherlands, a country known for a culture of part-time employment. Statistics show that nearly half of Dutch workers are part-time, with 73% of women in the same category. Currently, the average weekly hours are around 30, significantly less than the over 43 hours seen in Greece. While this approach contributes to a high employment rate, including for women, some experts advise caution. Pierre Koning from VU University Amsterdam warns, “The focus shouldn’t just be on reducing hours; we need to attract more people into the workforce. Companies like Afas can afford this, but if many adopt such models, it could exacerbate labor shortages.”
Internationally, interest in the Dutch work-life balance model is growing. A UK trial of a four-day workweek at 61 companies found that 40% of participants reported reduced stress and 70% felt less burnout.
Despite the appeal, some experts, like Koning, criticize labor unions’ push for a standardized shorter workweek. He says, “Employees already have the legal right to request part-time work. Let’s allow them to choose rather than impose it as a given.” Piet Fortuin, chairman of CNV, stresses that jobs need to become more attractive in today’s tight labor market, suggesting a four-day week could ease stress and improve work distribution.
Kitty Jong, vice president at FNV, agrees that a shorter workweek could enhance work-life balance and provide opportunities to create jobs and address unemployment. Yet, economist Mathijs Bouman expresses caution about the economic ramifications, questioning whether productivity can remain stable with fewer hours.
In certain sectors, implementing a four-day workweek may prove difficult. Roland Grootenboer, an HR expert, points out, “Knowledge workers can adapt more easily to this change, but it’s different for roles in healthcare and education. We need broader discussions on reducing burnout and ensuring the vitality of crucial professions.”
Nevertheless, the tech industry, led by companies like Afas, is moving ahead with this initiative. Focusing on outcomes over hours worked, the software industry is uniquely positioned for this shift. As Arnold Westerhout, Afas’s HR director, puts it, “We’re not merely cutting hours; we’re rethinking how work is done. Our employees can manage their time in ways that enhance both productivity and well-being.”