Leave Trends in the Netherlands: young people want more

In addition to the mental reset day, the Dutch also want other new forms of leave, such as menstruation or menopause leave (25%), volunteer leave (26%), and heartbreak leave after a breakup (10%). However, the wishes vary greatly by generation. The gap is largest for heartbreak leave: 19 percent of young people want this, compared to only four percent of older people. Pawternity leave (time off for a new pet) is also more popular among young people: sixteen percent versus four percent. Additionally, more than half of those over 60 (56%) find regular vacation days sufficient, while only 24 percent of young people feel the same.

Too far-reaching or a sign of good employer practices?

Not everyone is enthusiastic about these new leave trends. 44 percent of the Dutch find them too far-reaching and believe that private life should remain private. 21 percent see it mainly as a marketing trick. Nevertheless, 22 percent view it as a positive sign that employers care about their people. Young people are more positive: 31 percent see new forms of leave as good employer practices, compared to 18 percent of those over 60.

Eline Fruytier, Mid-Market & Enterprise Manager Benelux at Deel: 'What we see is that the definition of good employer practices is shifting. It's no longer just about salary, but about how you as an employer respond to the lives of your people. Younger generations want work that fits their life stage, whether that’s a mental reset day or the freedom to determine where and when they work. The challenge is to make this workable. That requires clear agreements, smart policies, and systems that adapt to the needs of your people.'