Case study on the Netherlands: flexible working time arrangements

Abstract

[EN]This chapter explores the regulation of working time in the Netherlands, focusing on the influences of cultural norms, legislation, industrial relations, and employee representation. In the Netherlands, the Law on Flexible Working, (‘Wet Flexibel Werken’ - WFW),1 empowers employees to request adjustments in their working hours, fostering flexibility and improved work-life balance. This legislative framework seems to adapt to employees’ wishes for conciliation of working and family life, leading to enhanced motivation and productivity among them. This chapter deals with research into the drivers, barriers, and consequences associated with working time flexibility measures, in particular, it examines one collective agreement in the construction sector, which allows employees in this high-risk construction profession, aged 55 and older, to request a transition to a four-day workweek and a proposal for a working time reduction initiative, shaped by the trade union CNV of a 30-hour workweek instead of 40 hours. The two working time measures examined in this study highlight the need for innovative approaches to adapt to evolving labour market conditions in the Netherlands. The success of the four-day workweek for senior workers in the construction sector demonstrates the benefits of tailored solutions that address specific sectoral challenges, while CNV’s ambitious proposal underscores the potential for systemic change to enhance overall workforce well-being.