With the global change in the way we work seen as a key element of the new “business as usual”, our Transforming Workplace global series examines the global perspectives of the opportunities, challenges and risks of this new transforming workplace. In the first in this series we examine the concept of the “Great Resignation”.
The Netherlands
Act on gender diversity in boards
On 1 January 2022, a new Act on gender diversity in boards of Dutch companies has entered into force. The Act provides for quotas to apply to supervisory boards and non-executive directors of Dutch companies listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AEX). In addition, large Dutch companies (as defined below) have to adopt appropriate and ambitious targets…
Temporary law to broaden the use of coronavirus entry passes
The use of the coronavirus entry pass in the workplace
Pursuant to a temporary law the Dutch government wants to enable the use of the coronavirus entry pass (coronatoegangsbewijs, or ctb) at the workplace in certain sectors. The bill will be debated by the House of Representatives on January 5, 2022. The…
The Right To Disconnect
News about young Wall Street analysts asking for an 80-hour working week and employees working from home for a year now due to the Covid pandemic gives rise to the question of whether employees have the right to disconnect. In this blog we will discuss recent legislative developments in the EU as well as the…
The COVID-19 vaccine @ work: a Dutch employment law perspective
At a time when the world is suffering from the COVID pandemic, hope rests in the advent of Covid-19 vaccines. In addition, employers are trying to anticipate the ever-changing situation in the workplace. In doing so, they must adhere to existing laws and regulations, which were not written with a situation like this in mind.…
Increased partner leave in the Netherlands from 1 July 2020
If the partner of an employee gives birth, the employee is entitled to one week’s partner leave following the birth. This paid leave can be taken at any time in the first four weeks after the birth of the child. During this period of leave the employer must continue to pay 100% of the employee’s…
Collective dismissal in the Netherlands
The Dutch government recently introduced the ’Employment Emergency fund ’ (Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkgelegenheid; NOW) and other measures to address the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pursuant to NOW, employers can submit an application for a substantial contribution towards labour costs. More information on NOW can be found [here]. Nevertheless, the COVID-19…
Economic measures taken by the Dutch government in light of the COVID-19 outbreak – UPDATE

On March 31, 2020, the Dutch government published the Emergency Fund for Employment and Businesses. The measures are taken with the aim to protect jobs and incomes and to address the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on self-employed professionals, SME-entrepreneurs and large companies. The measures aim to ensure that companies can continue to pay their…
Dutch emergency measures also amend enforcement of higher WW premium

As part of the Covid-19 emergency measures the Dutch government has decided to (i) extend the period for complying with new requirements for employment contracts for an indefinite period until 1 July 2020, and (ii) make changes to the 30percent working hours rule.
Extension of period for compliance
The Dutch employment act WAB that came…
Compensation transition allowance after two years of illness can be requested as of today
As of 1 April 2020, employers can request compensation for the transition allowance paid to an employee who is dismissed after two years of illness. A request can be submitted to the UWV via the employers’ portal (werkgeversportaal). The requirements for compensation are as follows:
- the employee was dismissed due to the long-term
…