voltijd

Voltijd is a Dutch term meaning full-time and refers to the level of workload associated with an employment or study arrangement. In the workplace it denotes a standard, complete workload that is typically higher than part-time work.

In practice, what counts as voltijd varies by country, sector, and contract. In the Netherlands and Belgium, common full-time weekly hours are around 36–40 hours, with the exact number often determined by collective agreements (CAO) or individual employment contracts. Other sectors may set their own norms, which can affect salary, benefits, and scheduling.

Voltijd is contrasted with deeltijd, or part-time work, where fewer hours are worked per week. Because hours are reduced, salaries, holiday entitlements, and other benefits are usually pro-rated for part-time employees. Equal treatment rules aim to ensure part-time workers receive fair opportunities for full-time roles and advancement, though outcomes can depend on national law, CAOs, and employer policies.

Contracts designated as voltijd commonly influence eligibility for certain duties, training programs, pension accrual, and other long-term benefits tied to full-time employment. Overtime rules and scheduling are often addressed in CAO provisions or company policy, reflecting the higher workload associated with voltijd work.

In summary, voltijd denotes the standard full workload used in Dutch-speaking labor markets, serving as the counterpart to deeltijd. Exact hours and entitlements depend on national context, sector, and contract.