Forget 40 hours: The Dutch get their work done in just 32 hours a week—and women made it possible
Fortune
by Emma BurleighFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Netherlands has achieved a remarkable workweek balance, with employees averaging just 32.1 hours per week in 2024, far below the 42.9-hour average in the U.S. This shift, driven by significant changes in workforce dynamics, particularly involving women entering the labor force on a part-time basis during the 1980s, has reshaped traditional work structures. The Dutch adopted a "one-and-a-half" earning model, where one parent works full-time while the other takes on part-time roles, supported by tax incentives and flexible work arrangements. This approach not only eases family responsibilities but also enhances job satisfaction and productivity.
The impact of this model extends beyond individual families; it has bolstered the Netherlands' low unemployment rate, which stood at 3.7% in recent years compared to the U.S.'s 4.3%. By offering flexible workweek
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026