NL

Netherlands Employment Law & HR Services

Expert guidance on Dutch employment regulations, collective agreements, and compliance requirements tailored to your business needs.

15+ Local Experts
Dutch & English Support
CAO & Civil Code Expertise
All Sectors Covered

Key Dutch Employment Regulations

Understanding the Dutch employment law framework

Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek)

The primary source of Dutch employment law, particularly Book 7, Title 10, which governs employment contracts.

  • Employment contract types and requirements
  • Notice periods and termination rules
  • Working hours and leave entitlements
  • Employer and employee obligations

Collective Labor Agreements (CAO)

Industry-specific agreements that often provide more favorable terms than statutory minimums.

  • Binding for all employers in the sector
  • Sector-specific working conditions
  • Enhanced benefits and protections
  • Regular renegotiation and updates

Termination System

The Netherlands has a unique dual system for employment termination.

  • UWV route for economic/long-term illness reasons
  • Subdistrict court route for performance/relationship issues
  • Transition payment requirements
  • Strict procedural requirements

Working Hours & Leave

Comprehensive regulations on working time and various leave entitlements.

  • Maximum 12 hours per day, 60 hours per week
  • Minimum 20 vacation days annually
  • Extensive parental and care leave provisions
  • Public holiday entitlements

Common HR Challenges in the Netherlands

How Ask Athena helps navigate Dutch employment complexities

Complex Employment Contracts

Navigating the strict rules on fixed-term contracts and chain provisions.

Our Solution

Tailored contract templates and strategic contract planning to optimize flexibility while ensuring compliance.

Termination Procedures

Managing the complex dual termination system and strict procedural requirements.

Our Solution

Step-by-step termination guidance, documentation templates, and strategic advice for each termination route.

CAO Compliance

Identifying applicable collective agreements and ensuring full compliance with their provisions.

Our Solution

CAO applicability assessments, compliance audits, and practical implementation guidance.

Sick Leave Management

Navigating the extensive obligations during employee illness, including the 2-year reintegration process.

Our Solution

Comprehensive sick leave management frameworks, reintegration plan templates, and UWV compliance guidance.

Dutch Employment Compliance Services

Comprehensive support for businesses operating in the Netherlands

Compliance Audits

Thorough review of your employment practices against Dutch employment law and applicable CAOs.

  • Contract and policy review
  • CAO compliance assessment
  • Working time and leave audit
  • Risk assessment report

Documentation

Legally compliant employment documentation tailored to Dutch requirements.

  • Employment contracts (fixed-term, indefinite)
  • Employee handbooks and policies
  • Termination documentation
  • Sick leave management templates

Advisory Services

On-demand expert advice on Dutch employment law matters.

  • Termination strategy and implementation
  • CAO interpretation and application
  • Works council consultation
  • Restructuring and reorganization

International Expansion

Support for international companies establishing operations in the Netherlands.

  • Market entry compliance framework
  • Dutch employment structure setup
  • Local hiring compliance
  • Cross-border employment issues

Dutch Success Stories

How we've helped businesses navigate Dutch employment challenges

Tech Startup Scales in Amsterdam

Industry: Technology

Challenge: Fast-growing tech startup needed to establish compliant employment practices while maintaining flexibility.

Solution: Developed tailored employment contracts, policies, and strategic hiring framework compliant with Dutch law.

Result: Successfully scaled from 5 to 50 employees with zero compliance issues or disputes.

Retail Chain Navigates CAO Requirements

Industry: Retail

Challenge: International retailer struggled to understand and implement the Retail CAO requirements.

Solution: Conducted comprehensive CAO audit and developed implementation plan for all mandatory provisions.

Result: Full CAO compliance achieved, avoiding potential penalties and employee claims.

Manufacturing Firm Manages Reorganization

Industry: Manufacturing

Challenge: Dutch manufacturer needed to restructure operations requiring multiple terminations.

Solution: Developed comprehensive reorganization plan, UWV applications, and transition payment calculations.

Result: Successful reorganization with all UWV applications approved and minimal legal challenges.

Our Dutch Employment Experts

Dedicated specialists with deep knowledge of Dutch employment law

Jan de Vries

Head of Dutch Practice

Former employment lawyer with 12+ years of experience in Dutch employment law and CAO negotiations.

Termination Procedures CAO Compliance Employment Litigation

Emma Jansen

Senior HR Advisor

HR professional specializing in practical implementation of Dutch employment regulations in multinational companies.

International HR Policy Development Employee Relations

Lucas Bakker

Compliance Specialist

Expert in Dutch labor regulations with extensive experience in works council matters and employee participation.

Works Council Compliance Audits Reorganizations

Dutch Employment Resources

Practical tools and guides for Dutch employers

Guides & Templates

Download practical guides and templates for Dutch employment compliance.

Access Resources

Transition Payment Calculator

Calculate statutory transition payments for Dutch employees.

Use Calculator

CAO Finder

Identify which collective agreements apply to your business in the Netherlands.

Find Applicable CAOs

Webinar Series

On-demand webinars on key Dutch employment law topics.

Watch Webinars

Get Expert Dutch Employment Law Support

Submit your query for free initial guidance from our Dutch employment specialists.

For urgent inquiries, email us directly at [email protected]