The Dutch have quietly adopted working just a four-day week. But what has been its impact, and can it last?

"Your kids are only young once," says Gavin Arm, co-founder of Amsterdam-based small business Positivity Branding.

"Most people, if they're running a company, they throw themselves into it and work, work, work to try and make it. And they're probably doing it for their kids. But then they look back when they're older and go 'I missed that part of their lives', and that's awful. We don't want to be like that."

Gavin Arm and Bert de Wit, co-founders of an Amsterdam-based small business, switched themselves and their staff to a four-day week seven years ago. Employees did not have to take a cut in salary, and nor did they have to work longer hours on the four days. Instead, their hours remain at 32-per-week, or eight-per-day.

"The work-life balance is hugely important," says Mr de Wit. "We put it down to creating a positive environment where people feel valued. Working fewer days helps free up time for family and personal interests."

The Netherlands has embraced flexible working more than most countries. About 50% of Dutch employees work part-time, one of the highest rates in Europe. The four-day work week has been making headlines internationally and continues to capture attention from businesses worldwide.

However, the model may be a hard sell for some industries. Professor Tanja van der Lippe, a work-life balance expert at Utrecht University, points out potential challenges: "In sectors that need 24/7 coverage, like healthcare or manufacturing, implementing a four-day week can put a strain on operations, especially when there's already a shortage of skilled workers."

The question of wages also remains important. While some companies maintain full salaries for fewer hours, others cannot afford this without it becoming a constraint on their business model.

Despite these challenges, many Dutch businesses report positive outcomes, including improved employee wellbeing, better productivity, and easier recruitment. Whether this trend is sustainable in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, the Dutch experiment continues to inspire workplaces around the world.