Working hours and rest times

If you run a business in the Netherlands and employ staff, or if your business has its registered office outside of the Netherlands and you employ workers in the Netherlands, you must comply with the Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet). This Act states the number of hours employees are allowed to work each day and each week and when they are entitled to breaks. Special rules apply to children, young people and pregnant women or new mothers.

Applicable to flexworkers and temporary workers as well

The Working Hours Act applies to all personnel, including foreign workers and hired personnel. If you outsource work to, for instance, a subcontractor, the Working Hours Act also applies to the subcontractor's workers. The Labour Inspectorate ensures that the working hours and rest periods specified in the Act are not violated. If the inspectorate detects violations, sanctions will be imposed.

Changing working hours

Companies with ten or more employees are also required to comply with the Working Hours (Amendment) Act (Wet aanpassing arbeidsduur). This Act offers employees the option of working more or fewer hours. If an employee asks for a change to the working hours laid down in the employment contract, you must always grant the request. You may only refuse if a change poses serious problems for your company. Companies with fewer than ten employees must draw up their own regulations.