Sixty per cent of Dutch workers are open to taking early part-time retirement, before the old age pension (AOW) age of 67.

However, research by the Dutch Federation of Pension Funds found that more than four in five Dutch workers between the ages of 47 and 67 do not know what part-time retirement means.

Part-time retirement in the Netherlands allows workers to continue working past the AOW age, but there is also an option to retire before this age.

After explaining the concept of part-time retirement, 28 per cent of older working Dutch people said they want to continue for longer. However, retiring earlier appears to be more attractive: almost 60 per cent are open to taking part-time retirement before the AOW age.

Commenting, Dutch Federation of Pension Funds, chairman, Ger Jaarsma, said: "Of course, not every employee will be able to continue working for a few more years, not even part-time. However, those who can continue working in full or part after the state pension age have additional income as a result and often derive a lot of satisfaction from their work. Those surveyed list this as the top two reasons for continuing to work, part-time or otherwise."

Although the majority of respondents said they would prefer to retire earlier, the number of continuing workers, or pensioners who continue to work, is on the rise. Since 2013, the number of pensioners in the labour market has grown dramatically: from 105,000 in 2013 to 254,000 in the first quarter of 2024, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) figures show – an increase of more than 140 per cent.

"They can offer relief to employers who are unable to recruit in the tight labour market. However, employers who see a solution in this should realise that, even among older employees, only 18 per cent know what part-time retirement entails.

"It is worthwhile for employers to more actively start the conversation with their older employees as the state pension age approaches. When there is a match between the wishes and capabilities of the employer and employee, it helps both parties,” Jaarsma added.

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