The Netherlands has officially switched to a four-day work week. The average work week in the country is currently 32 hours, reports Fortune.
The main goal of the reform is to provide people with more time for personal life, family, hobbies and self-development without losing productivity. Observations of experts show that the efficiency of employees has increased, and the number of cases of professional burnout has decreased. People became less exhausted and show greater involvement in the work process.
The shortened working week had a positive effect on the economy as well. The unemployment rate in the Netherlands is only 3.6%, and companies emphasize that the reduction in working hours does not hinder the achievement of business goals. What’s more, employers note an increase in team creativity and productivity, as employees have more opportunities to rest and recover.
The experience of the Netherlands has attracted interest abroad. Experts suggest that such a model can serve as an example for countries where the population suffers from high workloads and stressful schedules.
It is worth reminding that the Netherlands is not the only one to implement a four-day week. Similar decisions have already been made in Belgium, Iceland, France, Lithuania and Denmark. Germany, Spain, Portugal and Poland are currently in the testing phase of this model.
