THE HAGUE -- As Japan remains mired in an economic slump, the idea of work sharing is increasingly attracting the attention of the government, labor unions and business organizations as a way to handle the record level of more than 5 percent unemployment.

The Netherlands, which introduced work sharing in the early 1980s, is often seen as a model of success. The nation has managed to drastically cut its jobless rate and its massive fiscal deficit while achieving steady growth.

In the process, the Netherlands has achieved both a healthy economy and a healthy lifestyle.