The Dutch work week: hours, holidays, and work-life balance

The Netherlands is renowned for its work-life balance. Not only are we the European champions when it comes to part-time work, flexible working hours are no exception and holidays are plentiful. No wonder that expats looking for a well-balanced professional environment find the Netherlands a great place to live. In this article, IQ Staffing explains everything you need to know about the Dutch working week as an expat.

The Dutch work culture

The Dutch work culture emphasizes a healthy work-life balance. Regular overtime is uncommon, and employees are encouraged to leave work on time to engage in personal and family activities. This approach not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to overall well-being. Expats often find this balance refreshing, as it allows for a fulfilling life both inside and outside of work.

Standard working hours

In the Netherlands, a full-time workweek usually spans 36 to 40 hours over five days, averaging around 7 to 8 hours each day. Punctuality and efficiency are highly valued, with most workdays starting between 8:30 and 9:00 AM and wrapping up around 5:00 or 5:30 PM. As for lunch breaks, they typically last 30 minutes to an hour, though they are often unpaid.

Part-time and flexible work

The Netherlands has one of the highest rates of part-time employment in the world, especially among women. Part-time jobs are defined as working less than 36 hours per week. This flexibility allows employees to balance personal commitments with professional responsibilities. In addition, many Dutch companies support flexible working arrangements, including options for remote working and adaptable schedules.

Legal limits and overtime

Dutch labor laws are designed to protect employees from working excessive hours. By law, an employee can work a maximum of 12 hours per shift and a maximum of 60 hours per week. However, over a four-week period, the average working week should not exceed 55 hours, and over a 16-week period, the average working week should not exceed 48 hours. Overtime policies vary from company to company, with some offering financial compensation and others offering time off in lieu. It’s a good idea to check your employment contract for specific details on overtime.

Holidays

The Netherlands observes several public holidays, during which most businesses and government offices are closed. These include New Year’s Day, King’s Day, Easter Sunday and Monday and Christmas. For a full overview of holidays in the Netherlands, you can view this overview.

Dutch Holidays: A quick overview

Beyond public holidays, Dutch employees are encouraged to take plenty of time off to recharge. Many employers offer more generous leave policies, and it’s common for employees to take extended vacations, especially during the summer months.

By law, every worker is entitled to at least four times their weekly working hours in vacation time. That means if you work 40 hours per week, you get a minimum of 160 hours—equivalent to 20 days—of paid holiday each year. However, many employers go above and beyond, with 25 days off per year for full-time contracts being quite common.

Employee rights

In addition to the abovementioned emphasis on work-life balance, employees are also well-protected by labor laws. Key rights include:

Sick leave: Employees are entitled to up to two years of sick leave, during which they receive a percentage of their salary.

Maternity leave: Expecting mothers are entitled to at least 16 weeks of maternity leave. This consists of 6 weeks before the due date and 10 weeks after childbirth, even if the baby is born later than expected. During these 16 weeks, mothers receive 100% of their salary.

Partner leave: Partners (including fathers and co-parents) get one full week (five working days) of paid leave after the birth of their child. The employer must continue paying 100% of their salary. On top of that, partners can take up to 5 additional weeks (within the first six months after birth). During this extended leave, they receive 70% of their salary, paid by the government.

Parental leave: Both parents are entitled to 26 weeks of parental leave per child, to be used before the child turns 8 years old.

Flexible working arrangements: Employees have the right to request changes in their working hours or location, and employers are obliged to consider such requests seriously.

Considering a career move to the Netherlands?

The Dutch work culture is known for its supportive and flexible environment, strong employee rights, and a healthy balance between well-being and productivity. If you’re ready for your next adventure, explore our open positions or visit our relocation page for more details!

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