Calling your boss by his first name and stating out in the open that you think his project planning is anything but a good idea in the middle of the meeting? The Dutch working culture has quite a few surprises in store for expats. The typical Dutch directness is perhaps the best-known example of things that make international employees almost fall over backwards. Which characteristics can present challenges or, on the contrary, great advantages? Dutch Ready tells you all about the work culture in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is an interesting destination for international professionals. If you are considering making the move to the cozy country on the North Sea, it is helpful to know what to expect from the rules in the workplace and the way colleagues interact with each other. But that’s even the case if you have already set foot in the Lage Landen -the lowest point of the country is almost 7 meters below sea level- or if you have been living and working there for some time. Some extra insight can make your professional life a lot more enjoyable and easier.
One of the first questions that might come to your mind as a (future) expat is ‘Can I speak English when working in the Netherlands?’ The answer varies depending on the office and type of work. In many larger companies, English is the primary business language, allowing for a diverse international workforce. However, in smaller businesses or specific fields, such as HR, knowing Dutch can significantly increase your chances of integration and success. That means that learning the language can be immensely beneficial. Various language learning tools can be helpful. But before we look further into what language is needed, we’re going to take a look at some key characteristics of the Dutch working culture.
Dutch working culture is known for its flat hierarchy. In many Dutch offices, it is normal to disagree with your boss and express your opinions openly. Exactly, about that project planning for example. Or about the effectiveness of a particular procedure. Decision-making processes often involve consensus and team input, reflecting a collaborative approach that values every employee’s contribution. This flat structure, that strongly characterizes the Dutch working culture, is often found to be new, but refreshing by many expats and allows for a more inclusive work environment.
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The Dutch value straightforwardness and clarity in communication. In fact, that is expected of every employee. Even when it concerns feedback. The directness of the Dutch office culture can be surprising for you when you’re from a culture where communication is more nuanced or indirect. The Dutch use no more words than necessary to express their opinions. In other words, they often don’t bother to ‘gift wrap’ their message nicely. Not even in their private lives!
Foreigners are often shocked by the amount of straightforwardness in the Dutch working culture. Do you feel like you need a tissue after a feedback session and want to shut yourself away in your office? Reconsider that. Feedback in the Netherlands is meant to be purely constructive and not a personal attack. That same colleague will have a pleasant conversation with you at the coffee machine just a moment later.
In the Dutch working culture, a healthy work-life balance is a priority. In 2024, the Netherlands was the 11th country worldwide with the best work-life balance. This was researched by labor market specialist Remote and published in their Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024. It is common to leave the office on time and be able to make use of flexible working hours. This leads to high job satisfaction and productivity. In other words, a win-win situation for employers and employees.
Almost half of the Dutch working population works part-time. That means they work less than 35 hours per week. It is mainly women who are driving this “part-time culture,” but more and more men are also choosing to work part-time. People find it increasingly important to have some time for themselves as well. But caring for children also plays an important role.
In the Netherlands, the legal minimum number of vacation days is four times the number of hours you work per week. For example, if you work 40 hours a week, you are entitled to 160 hours of vacation annually. So that comes down to 4 weeks. Employers can choose to offer additional vacation days beyond the legal requirement. These additions are outlined in your employment contract or collective labor agreement.
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Meetings, meetings and more meetings. Typical for the Dutch office culture is that offices usually hold many more meetings than other cultures. Two things are important there: arrive on time and actively contribute. Meetings are the time for discussions and decision making. Being able to speak Dutch is certainly a big advantage at these times, as it makes participation and smooth communication much easier.
Want to improve your Dutch to feel more comfortable in meetings and other work gatherings? Dutch Ready offers a complete self-study e-learning method to learn Dutch, based on the latest scientific insights.
The Dutch generally keep their private lives to themselves, meaning you won’t be invited to their homes easily unless you know them very well. However, building relationships during coffee breaks and lunch walks is common. During these informal interactions, colleagues often switch to Dutch, as it is more natural for them. Social events like the ‘vrijdagmiddagborrel’ (Friday afternoon drinks) are also common in the Dutch working culture. Again, people often socialize in Dutch. Being able to speak the country’s native language is of incredible importance when you really want to blend in or network informally.
Dutch employers generally pay great attention to innovation and personal development. In fact, within the Dutch work culture, progress and improvement are always sought. As a result, many employers invest in training and education programs for their staff. Of course they reap the benefits of this, but it also allows you to continually expand your skills as well as your resume. By the way, did you know that you can often use a personal training budget to learn a language?
If you have been living and working in the Netherlands for a while, you no doubt recognize many of the characteristics we have listed. Are you still new here? Then let’s recap the main characteristics of the Dutch work culture to make things a little easier for you:
Adjusting to the Dutch working culture can be quite a challenge, but remember, you’re not the only one. Most expats have to deal with it. Here are some tips that can help you cope:
But let’s return to the initial question: ‘Do I need to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands?’ The answer depends on the company and the type of work. In many larger companies, English is the working language, which makes it easier for expats to integrate. In smaller companies, learning Dutch provides you with considerably more opportunities. Dutch is even mandatory in several industries, for example when working for the government or a related institution.
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Learning a foreign language is more than just memorizing words and grammar rules. Communicating well requires more. Dutch Ready offers e-learning self-study as well as online one-to-one lessons. E-learning is a fun and also very effective way to learn Dutch, especially when you have a busy work life. E-learning allows you to study at your own pace and in your own way. Would you like to know more? Click here and take your first step in integrating into the Dutch work culture.
Typical working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and minimal overtime. Flexible working hours are possible at most offices.
The dress code can vary, but typical for the Dutch working culture is business casual. Some sectors may have more formal requirements.
First of all, try to immerse yourself in the language through daily practice. For example, start a simple conversation with one of your colleagues at the coffee machine. Apart from interaction with native speakers, online Dutch lessons adapted to your agenda have proven to accelerate learning.
Yes, the Dutch working culture has its unique characteristics, including flat hierarchies, direct communication, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. These differences may require getting used to, but they also contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
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