1.1. Contact organisation
Statistics Netherlands (CBS - organisation running the survey)
The Netherlands Institute for Sociale Science (SCP - organisation responsible for the survey)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
CBS: Department of Labour, Income and Living conditions, Heerlen
SCP: Research sector Education, Minorities and Methodology, The Hague
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
CBS:
Statistics Netherlands
P.O. 4481
6401 CZ Heerlen
The Netherlands
SCP:
The Netherlands Institute for Social Science
P.O. 16164
2500 BD The Hague
The Netherlands
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
15 July 2026
2.2. Metadata last posted
15 July 2026
2.3. Metadata last update
15 July 2026
3.1. Data description
- Survey name(s) in the national language(s): Tijdsbestedingsonderzoek
- Survey name in English:Time Use Survey
- Year(s) of (data collection) of the survey: 2020, 2021, 2022
- Link to the survey website: -
- National questionnaire (provided in the Annex)
The Time Use Survey studies people's use of time; it involves respondents keeping a written record of their activities in a diary during a prescribed period. The advantage of this is that it produces the most accurate picture possible of how people spend their time, and makes visible precisely those aspects of time use which usually go unnoticed, such as time spent on the household, social contacts, reading, doing voluntary work or eating and sleeping. The diaries are also indispensable for answering questions such as when people work most, and how a weekday differs from a weekend day.
The Dutch Time Use Survey differs from the HETUS guidelines in the sense that it consists of an individual questionnaire (CAPI) and a diary. Respondents in the survey maintain a detailed log of their activities during one week. In addition, respondents are interviewed before the 'diary week'. This produces valuable background information about the respondents. There is no household questionnaire. Household information is extracted from registers, or otherwise, asked for in the start interview.
Annexes:
questionnaire
diary
3.2. Classification system
The main classification system used in the Dutch Time Use Survey is the "HETUS-activity coding list (ACL)". The ACL assigns a code to the activities (primary and secondary) that the person is doing during the day. For that purpose, the 24 hours of the day are split in 144 slots of 10-minutes and codes are given to each of the 10-minutes slots. Other classifications used are the "Location" where the time is spent (including the modes of transport) and "With whom" the time is spent.
3.2.1. Versions and breakdowns (level) of the classifications used for the data collection
| Acronym | Version | Level |
|---|---|---|
| NACE | Not available | |
| ISCO | Not available | |
| ISCED | Not available | |
| NUTS | Not available | |
| Other | Not available |
3.2.2. Deviations from ESS or international standards
3.3. Coverage - sector
Not requested.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Not applicable.
3.5. Statistical unit
Persons.
3.6. Statistical population
The target population of the Dutch Time Use Survey consists of individuals aged 10 years or over living in private households in the Netherlands. They are registerd in The Municipal Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie personen, BRP) containing the personal details of everyone who lives in the Netherlands. Individuals living in institutions (nursing homes, homes for the elderly, children's homes, rehabilitation centres and penitentiary) are excluded from the survey population.
3.6.1. Main characteristics of the survey population
The target population of the Dutch Time Use Survey consists off individuals aged 10 years or over living in private households in the Netherlands. They are registerd in The Municipal Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie personen, BRP)) containing the personal details of everyone who lives in the Netherlands. Individuals living in institutions (nursing homes, homes for the elderly, children's homes, rehabilitation centres and penitentiary) are excluded from the survey population.
3.7. Reference area
The entire territory of the Netherlands, excluding the Caribbean islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba).
3.8. Coverage - Time
2021-2022-2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch TUS was extended.
Start interview: June 2021- End: July 2023
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Time spent in minutes.
HETUS NL covers a full 12 months period, i.e. 365 consecutive days. Each respondent filled in the diary for two days or more, one weekday (Monday to Friday) and one weekend day (Saturday, Sunday).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, data collection was delayed in a period between 2021 and 2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Not available.
6.1.1. At European level
The current round of the harmonised European time use survey (HETUS) data collection has been carried out in the spirit of multi-national and multi-agency cooperation across Europe, in the form of an informal ’gentlemen's agreement’.
6.1.2. At National level
Not available.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data sharing is only availabe under strict conditions.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Statistics Netherlands is fully independent in terms of its statistical operations with respect to methodology and publications. Independence was granted by the Royal Act of 1899 and reconfirmed by law in 1996 and 2003. Data provision was made compulsory by law in 1936. Confidentiality is guaranteed. Individual data are never published without consent.
The Royal Act of 1899 and the Law of 1996 have been repealed by the Law of 20 November 2003. This Law on the Central Bureau of Statistics describes the independence of the director-general of Statistics Netherlands: The director general shall determine the methods by which the studies included in the work programme and the multi-annual programme will be carried out and the manner in which the results of those studies will be published.
The Law of 2003 established the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Central Commission for Statistics. Section 3 states: The task of the CBS is to carry out statistical research for the government for practice, policy and research purposes and to publish the statistics compiled on the basis of such research".
Sections 33 through 36 describe the collection of information, sections 37 and 38 describe the use of information gathering and sections 39 through 42 the dissemination of results. The most relevant clauses are the following. Section 33: The director general is authorised to use, for statistical purposes, data from registers (..) the director general is authorised to request, for statistical purposes, data (..) from the categories of companies, independent professionals, institutions and legal persons (..).
Section 37: The data (..) shall be used solely for statistical purposes. The data (..) shall only be published in such a way that no recognisable data can be derived from them about an individual person, household, company or institution, unless, (..) there are good reasons to assume that the company or institution concerned will not have any objections to the publication.
The CBS Law of 2003 is available in Dutch.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Several measures are taken to guarantee the confidentiality of personal data:
1. Identifying personal data is separated from the questionnaire data before the data are processed and then discarded.
2. Only aggregated data are published (individual observation units are not recognizable either directly or indirectly).
3. Data are handled by staff trained to respect the principles of confidentiality.
8.1. Release calendar
Not available
8.2. Release calendar access
Not available
8.3. Release policy - user access
Not available
Normally, the study takes place every five years—in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
The data over 2021, 2022 and 2023 was disseminated to Eurostat in March 2024.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Not available
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Not available
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Not available
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Not available
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not available
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Documentation is provided in the Annex (available only in Dutch).
Annexes:
Documentation HETUS NL
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
See documentation provided in the Annex.
11.1. Quality assurance
We refer to the Quality Declaration of Statistics Netherlands.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
We refer to the Quality Declaration of Statistics Netherlands, see annex.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The Dutch time use survey is highly relevant. The data are mainly used by universities and research organizations. In general there are no specific requirements for additional data, besides requests for more detailed data that cannot be provided due to accuracy issues.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Not available.
12.3. Completeness
For the Netherlands, the survey variables and data were assessed as being of high quality in terms of completeness and analysis.
However, there are some deviations from the HETUS guidelines.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not requested.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Response rate is 26,4%.
For details on sampling design and sample size see section 13.3.1
13.2. Sampling error
Sampling error is not available.
Outliers did not receive special treatment in estimation.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not available.
13.2.2. Sampling error - proportion and confidence interval
| Parameter of interest (p̂) | Number of respondents - n | Standard error for p̂ | 95% confidence interval for p̂: Lower | 95% confidence interval for p̂: Upper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of population aged 15 and over spending daily on average more than 10 % of time working in paid work (weighted) |
Number of individuals completed at least 1 diary day (unweighted) |
|||
| Not available | ||||
13.2.3. Sampling error - method used for the variance (SE) estimation
Not available.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Information on this concept is provided in the sub-concepts 13.3.1-13.3.5.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Overall quality of the sampling frame:
For constructing the sampling frame, Statistics Netherlands uses the Basic Municipal Registry (in Dutch Basisregistratie Personen, BRP). This register contains all persons who are registered at a municipality in the Netherlands, excluding the Caribbean Islands. Persons belonging to institutional households are excluded from the sampling frame (and from the population). The sampling frame is updated once a month. Immigrants and newborns are added to the frame, emigrants and deceased persons are deleted, and if a person has moved to a different address his/her data is updated.
From this frame, samples are drawn in two stages. In the first stage a municipality is selected with probability proportional to the size of the municipality. In the second stage, a number of persons is selected from the municipalities that are selected in the first stage. The number of persons selected in each municipality is such that the sample is self-weighting: all persons have the same probability of being selected. When a sample is selected, the names and addresses of the intended respondents are not known. This has to be retrieved from the BRP. This is done at most six weeks before the start of the fieldwork (average = 4 weeks).
Persons who are registered at known addresses of institutions, are removed from the sampling frame before sampling takes place.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable
13.3.2. Measurement error
Respondents and diary guidelines
Respondents have received the following guidelines on filling in the diary:
- It is important to read the instructions and examples before diary keeping, as this will make it easier to fill in the diary.
- Write down in as much detail as possible what you did during every 10 minute slot, not just ‘Was with a friend’, ‘Was outdoors’ (especially children).
- Write only one main activity on each line.
- Mark the duration of activities clearly with equals signs, arrows, etc.
- Do not forget to separate the travel from the activity and also record the location and mode of transport in the appropriate column.
- Do not forget to indicate the use of a computer or internet.
- Record the secondary activity when something is done simultaneously with the main activity. Do not forget to indicate the use of a computer or internet.
- Record whether the time is spent alone or together with people you know. You need not necessarily be doing the same thing as these other people.
- Do not forget to answer the questions at the end of the diary, in order to give necessary background information on the type of day.
13.3.2.1. Questionnaire design and testing
For the diary design, as well as the start and final questionnaire, the HETUS guidelines were followed as much as possible. In addition, as Time Use Survey is carried out since 1975 in the Netherlands, the former design of this survey was also taken into account to retain comparability as much as possible.
13.3.2.2. Interviewer training
All interviewers recruited had experience with other CAPI-surveys. The interviewers attended a training course before starting the fieldwork. Furthermore, a manual was distributed and presented during the training. A "general guidelines’ manual" contained information about the objectives of the survey, its organization, legal and administrative aspects, fieldwork aspects (how to contact the household, how to introduce oneself, who answers which questions, time delays, etc.) and the content and correct completion of the questionnaires.
Successful fieldwork calls for careful planning of the interviewer’s work. The crucial aim is to capture time-use data for a full year. A well-planned schedule for the fieldwork was created in order to achieve this goal.
13.3.2.3. Proxy interview rates
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Non response = 58,6 percent
(individuals who did not participate in the Dutch Time Use Survey / sample without frame errors = 2833 / 4838)
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Non-response may lead to selective response and thus non-representative results. Weighting was applied to compensate selective non-response.
13.3.3.1.1. Reasons for non-response
Not available.
13.3.3.1.2. Number of households in the gross sample according to the final results of the survey
Not available.
13.3.3.1.3. Characteristics of non-respondents
Not available.
13.3.3.1.4. Efforts to reduce non-response
Methods used for reducing unit non-response:
- Advance letter plus a folder: short description of the purpose and relevance of the survey.
- Trained interviewers.
- Interviewers have contacted each respondent twice (once just before the writing period and once during this period) to stimulate them to start writing on time and to prevent them from dropping out early. Respondents were approached by telephone if their phone number was known, otherwise they were visited at home during the writing period.
13.3.3.1.5. Adjustment of weights in order to reduce non-response
Not available.
13.3.3.1.6. Other comments regarding non-response errors
Not available.
13.3.3.1.7. Replacement of non-responding households (substitution)
| Substitution rate | Rate |
|---|---|
| i.e. Number of substitute households successfully interviewed/Achieved sample size | Not available |
13.3.3.1.8. Description of the substitution
Not available.
13.3.3.1.9. Qualitative assessment of the bias associated with unit non-response
Not available.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
There are no items with low response rates, that is a response rate below 90 per cent.
Item non-response has not been corrected with an imputation method.
13.3.3.2.1. Variables most subject to item non-response
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Start and final individual questionnaire
The answers were entered directly on the computer by interviewers (CAPI). Because of the restrictions that were set in the questionnaire on the answers that were entered by respondents and interviewers, extreme values, anomalies and errors could not occur. Thus, no additional data cleaning activities were required.
The data were processed in an automated production process.
Diary
The diaries were checked in two stages for their completeness and correctness. When interviewers collected the diaries, they checked whether the whole diary was completely and correctly filled in and consequently, delivered them to Statistics Netherlands. Before the diaries were scanned, they were checked once more by the Data Collection Division.
Coding
Processing errors can also occur as a result of the coding operation. Therefore, in the beginning, the coding of the coders was controlled. After coding, computer checks were made.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Not applicable.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
Not requested.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Not requested.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Taken into account the number of observations per geographical area, statistics are comparable on the regional level.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
In 2006, a double measurement was conducted to compare the old research method with the new one following the HETUS-guidelines. So, a comparison between 2006 and 2011 can be made. Before 2006, other research methods were use.
In 2006 Statistics Netherlands did not run the survey, but another research organization.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Not requested.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Data of TUS can be combined with all other available data sources for which sufficient identifying information is available.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not requested.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Not applicable.
Information on this concept is provided in the sub-concepts 16.1-16.4.
16.1. Costs of the survey
Not available.
16.2. Average time used for answering the survey questionnaires (in minutes)
Not applicable.
16.3. Average time used to fill in the diary (in minutes)
Not applicable.
16.4. Measures taken to reduce the cost and burden of the survey
Burden of Dutch TUS: The response burden is rather high as respondents have to maintain a log of their activities for seven consecutive days (CAPI). There are no efforts made or means used to decrease this burden.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Not available.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not applicable.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
No sample of households : 4923 individuals.
18.1.1. Sampling frame
| Type | Name of data source used for building the sampling frame |
|---|---|
| Population census | |
| Population register | Basisregistratie Personen, BRP |
| Household register | |
| Dwelling register | |
| List of phone numbers | |
| Postcode address file | |
| Another survey sample | |
| Other |
18.1.2. Sampling design of the survey
| Type of design | Number of sampling stages | Stratification variables | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of unit first stage | Type of unit second stage | ||
| A stratified two-stage sample is used. | Municipalities | Individuals | The stratification variable of stage one was COROP-area. One area contains multiple neigbouring municipalities. |
| Sample design and selection | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method of selection (systematic sampling, random sampling) | Selection of diary days | Distribution of diary days | Postponement if allowed |
| The survey uses a stratified two-stage sampling design, with municipalities as primary sampling units and individuals as secondary sampling units. The sampling of first stage elements is with probability proportional to size (number of residents per municipality). The required number of individuals to be drawn was equal for each element. The second stage elements are selected with simple random sampling. |
Each individual kept a diary for seven consecutive days. From experience it is known that individuals are inclined to fill in the diary less detailed within the writing period. Therefore, the start of the writing period was spread throughout the week.The week or weekend day on which an individual had to start writing was randomly assigned in advance. The exact start of the writing period depended on the interview day and date of the start interview. The writing period of the diary started on the first assigned week or weekend day after the start interview.
|
The sample and diary days were equally distributed throughout the survey period. | In case an individual was not able to start the writing period on the selected start date, for instance due to a short hospitalization, filling in the diary could be postponed for one or maximal two weeks. In such case the start day did not change. |
18.1.2.1. Sampling design(s)
| Type | Description of Sampling Design |
|---|---|
| Simple random sampling | |
| Systematic sampling | |
| Stratified sampling | |
| Cluster sampling | |
| Other | See 18.1.2 |
18.1.2.2. Ultimate sampling unit(s)
Individuals18.1.2.3. Oversampling of specific populations
18.1.2.4. Assumptions used for determining the sample size
Not available.
18.1.3. Sample size
| Sample size |
Number |
| Gross sample size i.e. initial sample size= responding units + non-responding units (these two groups make up the group of eligible units) + units with unknown eligibility (e.g. because they are not able to be reached/ contacted), + ineligible units. |
Not available |
|---|---|
| Number of eligible units i.e. net sample size= Gross sample size - units with unknown eligibility – ineligible units |
Not available |
| Achieved sample size = Total number of households which were successfully surveyed (interviews+diary) |
Not available |
18.2. Frequency of data collection
The Dutch Time Use Survey is conducted every five years. TUS 2020 was the last edition.
18.3. Data collection
See below.
18.3.1. Data collection method used
Mixed mode18.3.2. Mode(s) and instruments for data collection: household and individual questionnaire
| Interview | Specify Yes or No if used | % of completed household interviews |
|---|---|---|
| Paper assisted personal interview (PAPI) | Not available | |
| Computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) | Not available | |
| Computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) | Not available | |
| Computer assisted web-interview (CAWI) | Not available | |
| Smart mode (e.g. smartphone app) | Not available | |
| Other (e.g. administrative data). | Not available |
18.3.3. Mode(s) and instruments for data collection: time use diary
| Diary | Specify Yes or No if used | % of completed diaries |
|---|---|---|
| Paper diary | yes | |
| Computer based non online diary | ||
| Online web diary | ||
| Mobile based diaries (Smartphone apps, etc.) |
18.3.4. Variables completed from an external source
Not available.
18.4. Data validation
Not available.
18.5. Data compilation
The process by which the data file that is used for publication is made on the basis of the raw data is as follows:
1. The raw data from CAPI and PAPI is retrieved from the data collection systems for further processing.
2. The data files from CAPI and PAPI are merged in accordance with a predefined data model.
3. The data are enriched with register information from various sources.
4. Information from standard coding lists are added to the data file.
5. The variables used for publication are constructed.
6. The data is weighted and weighting factors are added to the file.
7. The HETUS variables are compiled and saved in separate files.
We did not correct for item non-response.
Weights were calculated to adjust for non-response, using the method of linear weighting, and it increases the sample to population numbers. The following weighting model was used for this correction:
(gender(2) × age(12)) + marital status(4) + degree of urbanization (5) + (gender(2) × daily activity(3)) + Household composition(5) + Household income(6) +Household size(5) + position in household(5) + interview month(12).
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.5.2. Method applied to correct for 'item non-response'
| Methods | Specify Yes or No if used |
|---|---|
| Simple imputation (deterministic) method | No |
| Simple imputation (stochastic) method | No |
| Multiple imputation approach | No |
| Other |
18.5.3. Calculation of weighting factors and weight adjustments
Not available
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
- Survey name(s) in the national language(s): Tijdsbestedingsonderzoek
- Survey name in English:Time Use Survey
- Year(s) of (data collection) of the survey: 2020, 2021, 2022
- Link to the survey website: -
- National questionnaire (provided in the Annex)
The Time Use Survey studies people's use of time; it involves respondents keeping a written record of their activities in a diary during a prescribed period. The advantage of this is that it produces the most accurate picture possible of how people spend their time, and makes visible precisely those aspects of time use which usually go unnoticed, such as time spent on the household, social contacts, reading, doing voluntary work or eating and sleeping. The diaries are also indispensable for answering questions such as when people work most, and how a weekday differs from a weekend day.
The Dutch Time Use Survey differs from the HETUS guidelines in the sense that it consists of an individual questionnaire (CAPI) and a diary. Respondents in the survey maintain a detailed log of their activities during one week. In addition, respondents are interviewed before the 'diary week'. This produces valuable background information about the respondents. There is no household questionnaire. Household information is extracted from registers, or otherwise, asked for in the start interview.
Annexes:
questionnaire
diary
15 July 2026
Not applicable.
Persons.
The target population of the Dutch Time Use Survey consists of individuals aged 10 years or over living in private households in the Netherlands. They are registerd in The Municipal Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie personen, BRP) containing the personal details of everyone who lives in the Netherlands. Individuals living in institutions (nursing homes, homes for the elderly, children's homes, rehabilitation centres and penitentiary) are excluded from the survey population.
The entire territory of the Netherlands, excluding the Caribbean islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba).
HETUS NL covers a full 12 months period, i.e. 365 consecutive days. Each respondent filled in the diary for two days or more, one weekday (Monday to Friday) and one weekend day (Saturday, Sunday).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, data collection was delayed in a period between 2021 and 2023.
Response rate is 26,4%.
For details on sampling design and sample size see section 13.3.1
Time spent in minutes.
The process by which the data file that is used for publication is made on the basis of the raw data is as follows:
1. The raw data from CAPI and PAPI is retrieved from the data collection systems for further processing.
2. The data files from CAPI and PAPI are merged in accordance with a predefined data model.
3. The data are enriched with register information from various sources.
4. Information from standard coding lists are added to the data file.
5. The variables used for publication are constructed.
6. The data is weighted and weighting factors are added to the file.
7. The HETUS variables are compiled and saved in separate files.
We did not correct for item non-response.
Weights were calculated to adjust for non-response, using the method of linear weighting, and it increases the sample to population numbers. The following weighting model was used for this correction:
(gender(2) × age(12)) + marital status(4) + degree of urbanization (5) + (gender(2) × daily activity(3)) + Household composition(5) + Household income(6) +Household size(5) + position in household(5) + interview month(12).
No sample of households : 4923 individuals.
Normally, the study takes place every five years—in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
The data over 2021, 2022 and 2023 was disseminated to Eurostat in March 2024.
Not applicable.
Taken into account the number of observations per geographical area, statistics are comparable on the regional level.
In 2006, a double measurement was conducted to compare the old research method with the new one following the HETUS-guidelines. So, a comparison between 2006 and 2011 can be made. Before 2006, other research methods were use.
In 2006 Statistics Netherlands did not run the survey, but another research organization.
