“Work Vitamins” Celebrates 80 Years of Dutch Radio Tradition
The Netherlands’ longest-running national radio program, Work Vitamins (Arbeidsvitaminen), is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The program, known for its cheerful music and dedication to listeners, marked the milestone with a special broadcast from its original recording location in Hilversum on February 20, 2026.
A History Rooted in Post-War Netherlands
The concept of Work Vitamins originated in England during World War II, providing music to workers during wartime. The program was introduced to the Netherlands in 1946, initially aimed at boosting morale in the post-war working day. As broadcaster AVRO announced at its launch, it was “a cheerful program, for home and factory.”
Enduring Simplicity: The Key to Longevity
Despite evolving musical tastes and the rise of streaming services, Work Vitamins has maintained its core formula. “Everything is about simplicity,” explains DJ Gerard Ekdom, who hosted the program from 2001 to 2010. “It started in 1946 with playing records for companies, and that still happens. You hear the biggest hits between 9 a.m. And 12 p.m. That basis has never changed and the program continues to do what people expect.”
Current presenter Hans Schiffers, who returned to the program in 2017, echoes this sentiment. “It is a program that helps you get through the morning, with cheerful, timeless music that has proven itself,” he says. “From ‘It’s Not Unusual’ by Tom Jones to ‘Back in Time’ by Yves Berendse, they are all good songs.”
A Program Driven by Listener Requests
A defining feature of Work Vitamins is its reliance on listener requests. Companies, clubs, choirs, and individuals can dedicate songs to one another, creating a personal connection with the program. This practice allows for a diverse range of music to be played. “You then go from Cliff Richard to Rage Against The Machine to Robbie Williams’ new single and then back to Beatles,” Ekdom notes.
Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape
Although the program’s core concept remains unchanged, it has adapted over the years. The initial structure in 1946 featured marching music, operetta, and European classics, gradually incorporating more pop music.
Ekdom doesn’t foresee streaming platforms like Spotify posing a threat to Work Vitamins’ continued success. “I think the program will survive everything. On the playlists of my eldest son, 20, I also witness Toto, Sting and Michael Jackson classics. Some records never wear out.”
A Record-Breaking Legacy
In 2006, Work Vitamins officially entered the Guinness Book of Records for its longevity, solidifying its place as a cultural institution in the Netherlands.
Anniversary Celebrations
To commemorate its 80th anniversary, Work Vitamins is hosting a week of special programming on NPO Radio 5, featuring listener requests. A four-part TV quiz will also air, celebrating the program’s rich history.