From Overtime Hustle to 5 pm Freedom: Why South Africans Thrive in Dutch Work Culture

In South Africa, long hours are a way of life. Whether it’s crunching deadlines, trying to prove commitment, or simply needing the overtime pay, many professionals find themselves caught in a relentless rat race. Even the law allows it: under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the legal maximum is 45 ordinary hours plus up to 10 hours overtime: totalling 55 hours a week.

In the Netherlands, things look very different. When the clock strikes 5 pm, laptops close, offices empty, and evenings truly belong to you. It’s not a casual suggestion; it’s the norm, and it’s backed up by both policy and culture.

According to ILO 2024 data compiled by Clockify, only 6% of Dutch workers put in 49+ hours per week. Compare that to South Africa, where long days are routine, and you start to see the contrast. On a yearly scale, the gap is even clearer: the average Dutch employee works 1,643 hours annually, while the average South African clocks in at 2,215 hours. That’s nearly 600 extra hours a year; more than 14 additional workweeks spent at the office. Imagine reclaiming all that time!

So why do the Dutch work fewer hours but still run one of Europe’s most competitive economies? A big part of the answer lies in policy. EU labour law caps working time at 48 hours per week, including overtime, but in practice, Dutch professionals rarely come close to that limit. The working day is efficient and focused on output rather than hours logged. Meetings start on time, end on time (usually), and people are judged by what they deliver, not how long they sit at their desks.

But it’s not just laws; it’s culture. In the Netherlands, even managers head out the door by 5 pm, hopping on their bikes to fetch kids, hit the gym, or meet friends for a borrel (after-work drink). Free time isn’t a guilty pleasure; it’s a right. Work matters, but life outside of work matters just as much.

For South Africans moving to the Netherlands, this shift can feel almost revolutionary. Suddenly, you have real evenings again. You can join a running club, pick up Dutch lessons, or spend time with your family without the nagging feeling you should still be online. Weekends are protected, too; no endless “urgent” emails or calls pulling you back to your laptop. The result? Better sleep, less stress, and more energy to enjoy life.

And make no mistake: Dutch professionals are highly productive. In fact, Eurostat ranks them among the most efficient in Europe. The focus is on working smarter, not longer. Systems are built to encourage balance, not burnout. For South Africans used to proving themselves through long hours, it might take a little adjustment, but it’s a very welcome one.

So what does this mean if you’re considering the move? Expect colleagues to actually leave when the day is done. Prepare for your evenings and weekends to feel wide open in a way that might surprise you. And embrace the idea that in the Netherlands, your worth isn’t measured by how late you stay at the office.

At Ir Olav’s Globetrotters, we’ve seen firsthand how this change transforms lives. South African specialists in IT, finance, and engineering often tell us their quality of life skyrockets after relocating. They still make an impact at work, but they also rediscover passions, hobbies, and family time lost to endless overtime back home. And, because we take care of the full relocation process (from visa applications and housing support to helping you settle in), you can focus on enjoying your new career and your new life.

If you’re chasing professional growth and a life after 5pm, the Netherlands might just be the right fit. Engineer your Dutch life with us. Your evenings, weekends, and well-being will thank you.