4 Day Work Week in Netherlands

Vacation Policy in the Netherlands

Vacation time in the Netherlands depends on how many hours an employee typically works. Total hours of paid vacation is determined by multiplying the number of hours an employee works per week times 4. If a worker normally works 40 hours, they would receive 20 days of paid leave.

Any amount of unused vacation days at the end of the year are still valid for up to 6 months during the following year, after which they cannot be used. In the Netherlands, there is no option to cash out vacation days.

In addition to paid vacation time, Dutch employees enjoy 10 paid public holidays per year, and 11 every fifth year. These holidays are in addition to regular vacation days.

Part Time Working in the Netherlands

Part time work is very popular in the Netherlands, and part time workers have protections and benefits by law. Legislation passed in 2000 allows part time workers to maintain health care and other benefits that are normally limited to full-time employees.

61% of the Netherlands’ total workforce works part time, with the majority of part time positions held by females. 78% of the Netherlands’ total female workforce works part time, while only 46% of the Netherlands’ total male workforce works part time.

Remote Working in the Netherlands

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Netherlands was one of the world leaders in remote work. Prior to the pandemic, around 39% of the Netherlands’ workforce sometimes worked from home, and by the end of 2020, this number had reached approximately 48%.

Many Dutch companies have started providing work from home stipends to support their employees’ remote work. Employees can use these funds to purchase materials to improve their workspace.