Trends in quality of work in the Netherlands

A diverse picture emerges regarding trends in quality of work in the Netherlands. It is difficult to draw firm conclusions on trends in working conditions because previously existing surveys have been replaced by newer ones. Nonetheless, work pace appears to be stabilising, while time pressure is decreasing. Some traditional risks, such as noise, dangerous work, physical load and shift work, are also stabilising; other risks, such as dirty work and bad smells at work, have declined. Contractual working hours have been reduced. At the same time, there increased autonomy in decision making, and (paid and particularly unpaid) overtime is also on the rise.