Hours of Work in the Netherlands
Capital
Amsterdam
Official Language
Dutch
Currency
Euro
Payroll cycle
Monthly
Quick facts about the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its progressive policies. The country is the first to make working from home a legal right. A leader in IT and telecommunications, the Netherlands stands out as one of the most dynamic economies in the European Union. With the 17th largest economy in the world, the country is home to over 17 million people.
Sunday regulations in the Netherlands
Employers should avoid requiring employees to work on Sunday unless previously agreed upon. Sunday work should only be required when absolutely necessary and be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay.
Rest periods in the Netherlands
Employees who work at least 5.5 hours must enjoy 1 unpaid 30-minute break that can be split into two 15-minute breaks. Employers must make sure that even those that work at home take a rest period or meal period.
Employees that work longer than 10 hours are entitled to a 45-minute unpaid break that they can split into three 15-minute breaks.
Workers must have 11 hours in between each shift and a minimum of 36 consecutive hours of time off per week.
Overtime in the Netherlands
Dutch labor laws don’t regulate overtime pay and employers should include the rate in the employee’s employment contract. The overtime rate is usually set at either 50% or 100% of pay or added vacation leave.
Overtime pay usually does not include managers or higher salaried workers.
Employees are not entitled to overtime pay when they have not been given a direct order to stay longer than their shift by a supervisor and if the overtime is less than 1 hour over their scheduled shift.
Time-tracking obligations
Employers are required to store and keep track of employees hours, including their rest time, overtime, vacation, and sick days. Employees must always have access to these records.
The requirement for the length of time employers must keep records is at least 52 weeks. Fines for noncompliance with time-tracking obligations range from $100-$45,000 EUR.
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