The Netherlands consistently ranks highly in international work-life balance surveys. Approximately half of its workforce engages in part-time employment, and the average full-time workweek is notably shorter compared to other countries. These arrangements allow individuals to dedicate time to pursuits beyond their careers and parents to prioritise childcare.
Dutch employers tend to emphasise productivity over simply logging long hours, and overtime work is more of an exception than a regular practice. Strong legal protections are in place to support flexible working arrangements. Dutch labour laws mandate a holiday allowance equal to 8% of an employee’s gross salary and guarantee at least four weeks of paid holidays. In recent years, some employers have even adopted a 4-day work week, further reinforcing their commitment to work-life balance.
But what are the general regulations regarding working hours in the Netherlands? Find the most important information summarised below.
Overview of standard working hours
In the Netherlands, typical working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, reflecting a standard 8-hour workday with an unpaid lunch break of 30 minutes to one hour.
Full-time working hours
Full-time employment in the Netherlands generally means working between 36 and 40 hours per week. The exact number of hours can vary by sector and is often determined by collective labour agreements (CAOs). Many Dutch employees work slightly shorter weeks, with 36 or 38 hours being common full-time arrangements.
In some companies, employees might work 40 hours per week even though their contracts specify 38 hours. In this case, the employer might grant them ADV hours or ADV days as additional time off. For more information, check our article about the ADV/ATV days.
Part-time working hours
The Netherlands is known for its high percentage of part-time workers. Part-time employment typically involves working between 12 to 36 hours per week. Dutch law ensures that part-time workers have the same rights and benefits (pro-rata) as full-time employees, including holiday days, pension accrual, and career development opportunities.
Legal limits and maximum working hours
Dutch labour laws set clear limits on working hours to protect employees:
- Maximum of 12 hours per shift
- Maximum of 8 hours per day for people under 18
- Maximum of 60 hours per week
- Average of 55 hours per week over a 4-week period
- Average of 48 hours per week over a 16-week period
These limits apply to most industries, with some exceptions for certain sectors like healthcare or transportation.
Break rights and holidays
Employees in the Netherlands are entitled to:
- A 30-minute break for shifts longer than 5.5 hours
- 45 minutes for shifts over 10 hours (can be split into 15-minute breaks)
- Minimum of 20 vacation days per year for full-time employees (in practice, often more than 25 days)
- Public holidays (sector-dependent)
Overtime compensation
Working long hours overtime is not very common in the Netherlands. However, there are overtime policies that vary by employer and industry. Common practices include:
- Extra pay (e.g., 100% to 150% of regular hourly wage)
- Time off in lieu (compensatory time)
- Inclusion of overtime in salary for some positions
Specific arrangements are often outlined in employment contracts or collective agreements.
Flexible working arrangements
Flexible working arrangements are common in the Netherlands:
- Flextime: Employees can choose their start and end times within limits
- Working from home: Increasingly popular, especially post-COVID-19
- Compressed workweeks: Working full-time hours in fewer days
- The “Right to Request” flexible working conditions is protected by law
Working hours in specific industries
Some industries have unique working hour patterns. For example:
- Retail: Often includes evening and weekend work
- Healthcare: Shift work, including nights and weekends
- Hospitality: Irregular hours, split shifts
- Agriculture: Seasonal variations in working hours
Specific regulations may apply to these sectors to ensure fair working conditions.
Night shifts and irregular hours
Night work (between midnight and 6 AM) is regulated:
- Maximum of 40 hours of night work per 16 weeks
- No more than 7 night shifts in a row
- A minimum rest period of 46 hours after a series of night shifts
Employees working irregular hours often receive additional compensation or time off.
Rights and obligations for employers and employees
Both employers and employees have certain rights and obligations when it comes to working hours in the Netherlands. The employer’s responsibility is to maintain accurate records of working hours, holiday days, and sick leave, ensuring transparency and compliance. Conversely, employees are responsible for tracking their overtime and have the right to request adjustments to their working hours. Both parties are bound by the terms outlined in the employment contract and any applicable Collective Labour Agreements (CAOs).
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