Working shift work in the Netherlands: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Allowances in 2026

Are you considering shift work in the Netherlands? For many international workers, shift work can be a smart way to earn more, start quickly and build experience in sectors such as logistics, production, food processing, horticulture and packaging. But shift work also asks something from you. Your working hours may change from week to week. You might work early mornings, evenings, nights or weekends. That can be good for your salary, but it can also affect your sleep, energy and social life.

In this article, we explain how shift work in the Netherlands works, which types of shifts exist, what shift allowances you may receive and what you should check before accepting a job through a staffing agency such as ABflexkracht.

Shift work means that a company does not work with one standard daytime schedule. Instead, several teams work at different times of the day. One team may start early in the morning. Another team may take over in the afternoon. In some companies, a third team works at night. This allows production, packing, transport or distribution to continue for longer hours, and in some cases 24 hours a day.

Shift work is common in the Netherlands in sectors such as:

• Manufacturing and industry
• Logistics and warehousing
• Food production
• Horticulture and greenhouse work
• Transport and packaging operations

For example, a company that packs plants for supermarkets may need to prepare orders early in the morning and continue packing later in the day. A single day shift is often not enough. One team may work from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while another team works from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

During busy periods, such as peak seasons in greenhouses, flower bulb companies or sorting facilities, shift work can help employers keep up with demand. Curious about what it’s like to work at a nursery? Read the story of Adam from Poland, who started through ABflexkracht as a general worker and grew into an indispensable crop specialist at a young plant nursery.

Yes. Many temporary workers in the Netherlands work shifts through staffing agencies.

If you work through ABflexkracht, we explain the vacancy, the schedule, the working hours and the allowances before you start. This is important, because shift work can look attractive on paper, but the details matter.

A higher hourly wage is useful, but you also need to know:

• which shifts you will work
• how often your schedule changes
• whether you will work nights or weekends
• which allowances apply
• how your hours are recorded
• what will appear on your payslip

Since 1 January 2026, the Collective Labour Agreement for Temporary Workers is based on the principle of equivalent employment conditions. This means that temporary agency workers must receive an employment package that is equivalent in value to that of permanent employees in comparable positions at the client company.

This does not always mean that every individual condition is exactly the same. It means that the total package of employment conditions must be comparable.

For shift workers, this can include important topics such as:

• hourly wage
• shift allowances
• overtime allowances
• public holiday compensation
• working hours
• breaks
• rest periods
• holiday days
• pension accrual

Before you start, ABflexkracht explains which agreements apply to your job.

For many workers, this is the main reason to consider shift work. Evening shifts, night shifts, weekend work and public holidays often come with extra allowances on top of your regular hourly wage.

For example, imagine you work through ABflexkracht at a flower bulb packaging company. Your standard hourly wage is €14.99 gross per hour from July 2026. If you work on a Saturday and a 50% weekend allowance applies, your hourly rate becomes approximately €22.49 gross per hour.

For an 8-hour shift, that means:

• regular hourly wage: about €119.92 gross
• with 50% allowance: about €179.92 gross

That is almost €60 gross extra for one shift. This is only an example. The exact allowance depends on the client company, the sector, your role and the applicable collective labour agreement or employment conditions.

If you work through a staffing agency, the principle of equivalent employment conditions is important. This means that your total employment package as a temporary agency worker must be equivalent in value to that of permanent employees in comparable positions at the client company. For shift workers, this may include shift allowances, overtime compensation, public holiday compensation, breaks and rest periods.

Shift work can give you free time at moments when many other people are at work. If your afternoon shift starts at 2:00 PM, you have the morning to yourself. You can do your groceries when shops are quieter, arrange appointments, visit municipal offices or simply sleep a little longer.

If you work an early shift, for example from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, your afternoon is free. That can be useful if you want to spend time with your family, arrange practical matters or enjoy more daylight after work.

Companies that work with shifts often need reliable workers throughout the day, evening or night. This is common in logistics or production and horticulture.

This can be especially useful if you are new to the Netherlands and want to begin earning as soon as possible.

Not everyone works best during regular office hours. Some people feel more energetic early in the morning. Others become more focused later in the day or in the evening.

If you know that you are not at your best between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, shift work may fit your natural rhythm better. An early shift gives you the afternoon free. An evening shift gives you a slower start to the day. A fixed night shift can work for people who genuinely prefer working at night.

Shift allowances are extra payments for working at less common times, such as evenings, nights, weekends or public holidays.

There is no single national percentage for shift allowances in the Netherlands. The exact amount depends on the company, the sector, your role and the applicable collective labour agreement or employment conditions. For example, one company may offer an evening allowance after 6:00 PM. Another company may pay a higher percentage for night work. Weekend and public holiday allowances can also differ per employer.

Your allowance usually depends on:

• Your shift schedule;
• The sector you work in;
• Your job role;
• The client company;
• The applicable collective labour agreement or compensation scheme.

If you work through ABflexkracht, we look at the agreements that apply to your position at the client company. Before you start, we explain which allowances apply, when they apply and how they should appear on your payslip.

When you apply for shift work through a staffing agency, it can be tempting to focus only on the hourly wage in the vacancy. But with shift work, the real difference is often in the details.

Your schedule, shift allowances, rest time and the way your hours are recorded all affect your final salary and your daily life. Before accepting a shift-work job, make sure you ask these questions.

“Which shift allowances apply in 2026?”
Evening hours, night shifts, weekend work and public holidays may all come with different allowance rates. Ask for a clear overview before you start. You should know which allowance percentages apply, when they apply and how they are calculated.

A reliable staffing agency will explain this clearly, so you know what you can expect before your first shift.

“How are my working hours recorded?”
Your working hours must be recorded correctly. This includes your regular hours, allowance hours and overtime hours. Ask how this works. Do you clock in digitally? Does a supervisor approve your hours? Can you check your hours yourself?

It is also smart to keep your own record. A note on your phone is enough. Write down when you started, when you finished and which shift you worked. This makes it easier to check your payslip later.

“What will appear on my payslip?”
Your payslip should be clear and easy to understand. You should be able to see:

• The type of allowance
• The percentage applied
• The number of hours covered
• The additional amount earned in euros

If you only see one vague total amount, ask for an explanation. You have the right to understand how your salary is calculated.

“What about holiday allowance?”
Employees in the Netherlands are entitled to holiday allowance. The statutory minimum holiday allowance is 8% of your gross annual wage. If you regularly work shifts, your total earnings may be higher because of shift allowances. Depending on the applicable collective labour agreement and employment conditions, this may also affect the way your holiday allowance is calculated.

Your payslip should show how holiday allowance is built up or paid. If this is unclear, ask your ABflexkracht contact person for an explanation.

Shift work is not for everyone. Some people enjoy the variety and the opportunity to earn more. Others find irregular hours physically or mentally demanding. Shift work may suit you if you:

• are flexible with your daily routine,
• want to earn extra money through shift allowances,
• can sleep at different times of the day;
• do not mind early starts, late finishes or weekend work;
• can plan your social life around your schedule;
• are comfortable with practical work in production, logistics or horticulture;
• can recover well after busy or irregular shifts.

For the right person, shift work can offer a strong combination of higher earnings, practical experience and many job opportunities.

When might shift work not be the right choice?
Shift work may not be the best choice if you already struggle with sleep problems, have health concerns or need a very stable daily routine.

Irregular hours can put extra pressure on your body and energy levels. Night shifts can be especially demanding if you find it hard to sleep during the day. Shift work can also be difficult if you have childcare responsibilities in the evenings or weekends and cannot arrange support.

Choosing the right job is not only about earning more. It is also about finding a work pattern that you can maintain in a healthy and sustainable way. If you are unsure, discuss your situation with your family doctor or your ABflexkracht coordinator before accepting a shift-work position.

• Protect your sleep. Sleep is one of the most important things when working shifts. Try to create a quiet and dark sleeping environment. Use blackout curtains if you sleep during the day. Earplugs can also help if your housemates, neighbours or traffic make noise. Try to keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible, even on days off.
• Plan your meals: Irregular working hours can disturb your eating pattern. Try to eat at regular and logical times, even when you work nights. Avoid relying only on snacks, energy drinks or fast food during long shifts. A steady eating routine can help prevent energy dips, especially during night work.
• Take your breaks seriously! Breaks help you recover during your shift. Use your break to sit down, drink water, eat something and step away from your workstation if possible. Small recovery moments can make a big difference during long or demanding shifts.
• Speak up if you are struggling: Finding it difficult to adapt to shift work? Do not keep it to yourself. Contact your coordinator or staffing agency as early as possible. At ABflexkracht, we can often support you in your own language or in English. If your schedule is affecting your sleep, energy or health, it is better to discuss it early. Together, we can look at your situation and what may be possible.

Shift work in the Netherlands can offer real benefits. You may earn more through shift allowances, start work faster and have free time when other people are working. At the same time, shift work can be demanding. It can affect your sleep, energy and social life, especially if you work nights or rotating shifts.

That is why you should not choose shift work based only on the money. Look at the full picture. Make sure you understand your schedule, allowances, rest periods and payslip before you start. If the schedule fits your life and you understand the conditions clearly, shift work can be a strong opportunity. ABflexkracht helps you make that decision with clear information, reliable support and vacancies that match your availability and experience.