The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world and recent statistics have pointed to their work structure as the source.
It has been revealed that 26.8 per cent of Dutch men and 76.6 per cent of women of working age spend less than 36 hours a week working. The Economist attributes their happiness and their work structure to the fact that dual income has not often been a necessity for a comfortable life, and an adherence of the traditional view of a family with stay at home mothers.
Percentage of part-time employment of adults
In comparison, just over ten per cent of men work part time in the UK, as do around 40 per cent of women. While the divide in work and between the genders in the Netherlands may be considered backward by some, the country also has passed a law stating that women have the right to cut back hours at their jobs without repercussions from employers.
The Netherlands has also come top of 28 European countries for physical exercise, which may account for some of their happiness. Statistic produced by the British Heart Foundation show that the highest percentage of their population get moderate exercise at least four days a week.
Percentage of adults doing moderate physical activity 4-7 days a week
Whether working less hours allows the Dutch more time to exercise is speculation, however, these figures and studies in happiness are areas where the country top the rankings consistently.
This article was first published in the Independent