Some 7% of working people in the Netherlands would like to cut their hours while 9% would like to work more, according to research by national statistics agency CBS.

In particular, women who work full time would like to work less, the CBS said. Some 14% of women and 8% of men who work at least 36 hours a week would like more time off.

Research published at the end of last year showed Dutch women are working slightly more hours a week, particularly after the birth of children but are still European champions at part time jobs.

In total, 74% of women work part time, compared with an an EU average of 31%. But in terms of spending time taking care of children, parents in the Netherlands spent a similar amount of time as elsewhere in Europe.

Labour economist Ton Wilthagen told RTLZ that people without children are also keen to cut their hours. ‘They want a free day for their hobbies,’ he said. ‘In addition, lots of people spend a day working at home. So they are really only in the office three days a week.’

Some pay agreements now give staff the option of working 4×9 hours a day so they can have a day off, he said.