Does the Netherlands have a 4 Day Work Week?
Louis Goulmy, author of ‘Real Mean Work 4 Days’, and National Partner for 4 Day Week Global for the Netherlands, discusses the introduction of a 4 day work week in the country through a pilot program.
Sometimes I am told that we already have a 4 day work week in the Netherlands, but is that true? The short answer is no.
How the 4 day week currently exists in the Netherlands
Despite the fact that the Netherlands is known for its average shorter working week, it turns out that men still work 39.4 hours and women 29.2 hours per week (paid work).
On average, we already have a 4 day working week. Moreover, women do more unpaid work. It should be noted that 40% of (hetero) couples would like to divide work and care equally.
People in the Netherlands commonly work 4 nine-hour days
A large proportion of Dutch people already work 4 9-hour days (to get their hours).
Putting more hours into fewer days only misses the essence of the 4 day work week. The effectiveness of the 8-hour working day is already limited, let alone adding another hour to it.
As a result, rest periods during working days decrease and time scarcity increases on those days. This does not have the positive effect of the real 4 day working week, where people actually work less time.
Although the free day is nice, many people use it to recover. While studies show that:
We can exert much less time
We can easily cut the number of hours, the idea that time = productivity is quite persistent.
Leaders are already doing it, to their satisfaction.
Which Dutch companies are working a 4 day week?
A 4 day work week with full pay is therefore not yet a fact by Dutch standards. Even though there are several companies that have taken the first steps. Examples of this are NMBRS or NXT LVL.
The founders of these organizations indicate that not only does the work improve, but it also makes them more attractive as employers and sees less turnover.
The 4 day working week is therefore also a 'recruitment magnet' for them and at the same time the way to keep people sustainably employable. A topic that will become increasingly important in the coming years, as we will have more care responsibilities and will have to work longer, as we get older and the retirement date moves forward.
The 4 day work week is the social innovation of our time, also for the Netherlands
The 4 day work week is therefore the social innovation of our time and ensures that, also in the Netherlands, we have a well-functioning labor market where people are healthy and happy, where we can continue to do work and care, and equality between men and women increases.
The Dutch Partner of 4 Day Week Global
That is why I am happy to be affiliated with 4 Day Week Global as the Dutch partner.
Are you ready for a pilot based on the 4 day work week using 4 Day Week Global? Then register with the local partner of 4 Day Week Global. For the Netherlands, that is me (Louis Goulmy).
How can I contribute to the 4 day week movement?
So, how can we ensure the 4 day work week becomes routine over radical? We’re a non-profit organization looking to bring the 4 day week to as many people across the globe as possible. Our goal is to create a million years of new free time through 4 day week trials and transitions.
Would you like to sponsor us on this journey? Donate as little as $2 per month to become a part of this movement for a 4 Day World.
How can I improve my business with a 4 day week?
We offer support for businesses looking to make the shift to reduced-hour working in several ways:
1. Our Foundation Course
Our Foundation Course is designed for business leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs looking to understand how to implement a 4 day week in their organization, or to support the implementation of one in another organization.
We teach you through six video lecture modules, using the 100-80-100™ model.
2. Our Pilot Programs
We run 4 day week pilots using the 100-80-100™ principle across the globe. You can trial a 4 day week alongside other organizations in your geography. There are many pilots happening in various countries across the world.
Sign up here to register your interest in being a part of one of our pilots and we will let you know when the pilot in your country is kicking off! Alternatively, we have two global pilots happening in 2024, in March and September.
3. One-on-One Consulting
This is for larger organizations who want bespoke one-on-one support throughout the 4 day week planning and implementation process. We will provide you with world-leading experts in reducing working hours to help you on this journey.
