WILLEMSTAD – AFAS Caribbean announced that it will implement a permanent four-day workweek starting in January 2026, following the successful example set by AFAS Netherlands. The move marks a significant step in the company’s continued rollout of innovative, people-centered work practices within its Caribbean operations.
The decision follows positive results from a year-long experiment at AFAS Nederland, where more than 700 employees have worked four days a week with full salary retention since January 2025. Independent research by cultural anthropologist Jitske Kramer found that employees experienced greater rest, focus, and work-life balance, while productivity and revenue also increased.
Focus on well-being and ownership
AFAS Caribbean expects similar benefits for its regional team. As in the Netherlands, Fridays will become a collective development day, during which the office will be closed. Employees will have full freedom to decide how to use the day, whether for study, volunteer work, caregiving responsibilities, or personal recovery.
“We believe in the same core principles as AFAS Netherlands: trust, autonomy, and room for growth,” said Pim Steinmeijer, Director of AFAS Caribbean. “The results in the Netherlands show that fewer working hours do not mean fewer results. People make better decisions, feel more energized, and experience greater job satisfaction. That is what we want for our people on the islands as well.”
Working smarter in fewer hours
The shorter workweek will also require a more conscious approach to work. Employees are encouraged to prioritize tasks more critically and eliminate unnecessary activities, focusing on impact rather than hours spent.
AFAS Caribbean emphasized that the four-day workweek will not come with additional controls or new management layers. Instead, the company will rely on trust and ongoing dialogue to monitor how the new structure fits the local context.
Supporting organizations across the region
AFAS Caribbean supports organizations throughout the islands in making their operations more efficient and enjoyable through AFAS software solutions. The company’s mission aligns with that of AFAS globally: inspiring better entrepreneurship. By removing unnecessary tasks and optimizing processes, AFAS aims to create more room for quality, development, and enjoyment in the workplace.