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What do ADV & ATV days mean in the Netherlands?

At Go Ahead HiRe, we’ve gained valuable experience with Dutch employment regulations through our extensive involvement in the hiring process. Over time, we’ve built an understanding of important aspects like ADV (Arbeidsduurverkorting) and ATV (Arbeidstijdverkorting). This hands-on experience has given us the insight to help you navigate these rules and apply them effectively within your organization. Whether you’re an employer looking to enhance workforce flexibility and well-being or a candidate seeking a better balance between work and personal time, we’re here to share the knowledge we’ve developed to support you every step of the way.

Understanding ADV & ATV days in the Netherlands

ADV and ATV both refer to the “reduction of working hours” and are part of agreements between employers and employees. They allow employees to accumulate extra time off based on the hours they work beyond their contractual obligations. These extra hours can be taken either as days off or in smaller increments of time, depending on the employer’s policies.

For example, if an employee works 40 hours per week but their contract specifies a 38-hour workweek, they accumulate 2 ADV hours each week. These can then be used for future time off. Some companies may adjust the contract hours to offer a full-time contract but with the benefit of fewer working hours, thanks to an ADV or ATV clause.

Historical background and current use

Introduced in the 1980s to combat high unemployment by redistributing work, ADV and ATV were originally designed to help more people enter the workforce by reducing individual work hours. Nowadays, these schemes have evolved into a valuable benefit that promotes employee well-being and productivity. Employers use them to provide flexibility, reduce burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance for their teams.

Each employer can structure the use of ADV and ATV differently, and these specifics are generally detailed in the employee’s contract. There may be conditions attached, such as deadlines by which the extra hours must be used, or limits on when they can be taken.

Differentiating between ADV and ATV

While both ADV and ATV involve a reduction in working hours, there is a key distinction between the two:

ADV allows employees to bank extra hours and use them flexibly as time off in the future. Employees generally have more freedom in deciding when to take this time.

ATV refers to pre-scheduled days off, often set by the employer. These days could be full days, half-days, or even specific afternoons or mornings, with less flexibility for the employee in choosing when to take the time off.

How ADV/ATV differs from legal Dutch holidays

In the Netherlands, employees are legally entitled to at least 20 holiday days per year, based on a full-time, 40-hour workweek, and they also receive an 8% holiday allowance. These holidays are a legal right, while ADV/ATV days are an additional benefit and not legally required. The availability of ADV/ATV is based on agreements made between the employer and employee, typically included in the employment contract or collective labor agreement.

How Many ADV/ATV Days can you expect?

The number of ADV/ATV days an employee is entitled to can vary significantly depending on the industry, company policies, and the specifics of the employment contract. Typically, if a company offers a reduction of working hours, it may provide between 6.5 and 13 days (or an equivalent number of hours) annually, depending on how many additional hours are worked each week.

The benefits of ADV/ATV days for employees and employers

Offering ADV/ATV days provides several benefits, not only for employees but also for employers:

Enhanced well-being: Giving employees more time to recharge contributes to better mental health and a healthier work-life balance.
Increased productivity: Employees who feel rested and have time for personal activities are often more focused, motivated, and creative at work.
Flexibility: ADV/ATV days allow employees to handle personal matters more easily, whether it’s attending appointments, handling family responsibilities, or pursuing personal goals.
Attracting and retaining talent: Offering flexible working hours and time-off benefits makes companies more appealing to current and potential employees. In a competitive job market, these benefits can improve an employer’s brand and help retain top talent.

How to effectively implement ADV/ATV days

To successfully incorporate ADV/ATV into your organization, it’s important to follow legal requirements regarding working hours and ensure that contracts are clear about the following details:

The number of ADV/ATV days or hours available
How these days are accrued
Any conditions or restrictions on using them

Transparent communication with employees about the policies and procedures surrounding ADV/ATV days is essential, as well as maintaining accurate records of how and when they are used. It’s advisable to seek legal guidance to ensure that the implementation complies with all relevant labor laws.