Dutch Embrace 4-Day Workweek

At the other end of the scale from Korea, which is renowned for its demanding job conditions, people in the Netherlands typically clock less than 30 hours a week, and four-day workweeks are increasingly common, according to CNN Money.

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The news site recently published a survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showing the working hours of its member states. The Netherlands averaged 29 a week -- the shortest in the OECD - with a median annual salary of US$47,000.

"The four-day workweek is nearly standard in the Netherlands, especially among working moms. About 86 percent of employed mothers worked 34 hours or less each week last year", reported CNN Money. "Among fathers, about 12 percent also worked a shortened workweek".

Workers can shorten their working hours by going part-time, "while keeping their job, hourly pay, health care and pro-rated benefits", it said.

Denmark had the second-shortest average working hours of 33, and an average salary of US$46,000. Norway was third on the list, followed by Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Australia and Italy.

According to the OECD statistics, the average working hours in Korea were 44.6 hours per week in 2011, about 15 more than the Dutch are used to.