The Netherlands is one of the happiest countries in the world. In a study conducted by the UN, it World Happiness Report, The Netherlands ranks sixth as the happiest country in the world. Our country also has a high score in Europe in terms of satisfied employees. The Netherlands is number 1 with thehappiest employees. 76 percent of Dutch employees are satisfied with their work. This satisfaction is partly due to the options to work from home, the pleasant relationship with colleagues and the good balance between work and private life. Although we are already very satisfied with work in the Netherlands, this figure could be much higher. How can you as a company ensure that your employees are even happier and more satisfied? In the article below you will find five innovative ideas. 

1. A mandatory coffee break several times a day

In Sweden they have a mandatory coffee break several times a day during which something tasty is eaten. This is called “Fika” in Swedish and involves taking the time to talk and relax with each other.

2. A 6-hour working day

There are several companies in Sweden that have introduced a 6-hour working day. A well-known example is Toyota's service center. The reason for introducing this was the long waiting times for service. Since the 6-hour working day was introduced, productivity has increased and technicians are happier. Another company that has also introduced a 6-hour working day is the internet consultancy Bråth in Stockholm. The result of this is that employees stay with the company longer and that turnover has doubled.

3. Extra vacation hours in exchange for sports

The Swedish management company Mimer gives employees the opportunity to exercise in exchange for vacation hours. Employees are allowed to convert 20 percent of their exercise time into leave. For example, by running for an hour, you get 12 minutes of vacation. Someone who exercises an average of 3 hours per week will have built up just over 30 hours of (extra) holiday hours after a year.

4. An unlimited number of vacation days

There are companies that do not keep track of how long you have worked and where you can take unlimited vacation days. This also applies to the Dutch software company Bynder. According to director Chris Hall, this construction makes employees more rested and happier. The municipality of Hollands Kroon also does not keep track of when employees go on holiday. The result is that this municipality has a sick leave rate of 2,5 percent. In the Netherlands, according to it CBS the national absenteeism average is 3,8 percent.

5. Longer maternity and paternity leave

In the Netherlands, a mother is entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and a father to two days of paternity leave. In Sweden this number is much higher. The father and mother together have a total of 16 months of leave. Of these, 3 months are reserved for the father to care for the newborn child. If the father does not use paternity leave, this period will be deducted from the 16 months of leave.

What innovative ideas do you know to make employees even happier and more satisfied? Let us know in a comment.