It is not the first time that the union has argued for this, because the union is already doing that since the end of 2019.
The union has now conducted research into the number of people who indicate that they are facing a burnout. This would show that hundreds of thousands of people are through it. To reduce and prevent such problems, a shorter working week would be the solution, according to CNV.
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‘More productive and efficient’
The Netherlands is ready for it, says CNV. In an earlier survey by the union, three in five Dutch people indicated that they would enjoy a 30-hour working week in order to reach their retirement age in good health.
People also expect less absenteeism and a better work-life balance, and half think they will be more productive and efficient with such a shorter working week.
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Successful experiments
There are already several examples from home and abroad that show that a shorter working week can work well. For example, many companies in Iceland switched to a shorter working week this year after a successful experiment. In Finland and Spain, too, politicians are seriously considering a standard shorter working week.
In the Netherlands there are also various companies that work with it, such as marketing company Loyals, which gives staff a full-time salary work for less hours. Also insurer Achmea introduced a 34-hour work week.
Yet the shortened working week is not sacred: the hoped-for productivity increase is not visible to everyone, and customization is often required to achieve a good work situation.
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‘Better balance between men and women’
With the 30-hour working week, CNV also pursues a different goal: people who currently still work part-time would soon be able to do a 30-hour job. As a result, a better balance between men and women could be achieved, according to the union.
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