The Netherlands has widely adopted a four-day workweek, enhancing employee well-being without reducing pay. Companies that switched report improved productivity, lower sick leave, and increased job retention. However, the OECD warns that maintaining high productivity remains a challenge due to stagnating growth and an aging workforce. Calls for more women to work full-time could help, but barriers like childcare and societal norms persist. The sustainability of this work model is under scrutiny as it may not be economically viable long-term.
The Dutch Love Four-day Working Weeks, but Are They Sustainable?
