Leading a growing trend across Europe, more Dutch workers are working part-time or on temporary contracts, allowing flexibility both for workers and employers. The trend is a result of an effort in the 1980s to loosen labor laws and draw more women into the workforce, allowing even part-time and temporary workers to receive social security benefits and job protection rights while still being able to spend more time with family. In addition, full-time permanent workers were also given the chance to work more flexible hours. As a result the average Dutch worker works the fewest hours per week in Europe and, according to a recent study, is the least whiny.
See "Flexibility makes for a happy Dutch worker", Foo Yun Chee, The International Business Times, July 2, 2007