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💼 BBC Business • Thursday, February 12, 2026
⚡ Key Highlights
- The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe
- Four-day workweeks are common in the country
- Some experts warn that this trend may harm the economy
- The government has implemented policies to support work-life balance
The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, with many employees enjoying a four-day workweek. However, some experts warn that this trend may be harming the country’s economy. The shorter workweek has been shown to improve work-life balance and increase productivity, but it also means that businesses are operating with reduced hours, potentially impacting their bottom line. The Dutch government has implemented policies to support work-life balance, but some argue that these policies are unsustainable in the long term. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of a shortened workweek, it remains to be seen whether this trend will ultimately benefit or harm the Dutch economy. The impact on GDP, employee morale, and business competitiveness are all factors that will need to be carefully considered. With the Netherlands serving as a test case for the feasibility of a four-day workweek, the world is watching to see how this experiment plays out.
🏷️ Keywords:
Netherlands four-day workweek economy work-life balance productivity
Original Source: BBC Business
