Workplace culture

First, let’s take a look at Dutch society to place working culture into perspective. Dutch society is relatively egalitarian, and most Dutchies are highly tolerant of individual differences. All of this translates to the workplace. Most companies have a horizontal hierarchy and informal workplace culture. It’s not uncommon for employees to regularly knock on their manager’s door when having questions worth discussing - assuming these managers even have a door. A lot of offices consist of one open space, where everyone works side by side. Ranks and job titles are happily disregarded.

The Dutch are fond of open and honest conversation. This may feel blunt at first, but it’s meant to foster clarity and efficiency. Expect open and honest discussions, where feedback is given directly. After you’ve been working at a Dutch office for a couple of days, you’ll undoubtedly notice that voicing opinions is common practice. Your colleagues will expect you to have an opinion about all the work-related topics- small talk at the coffee machine or lunch table is often about the latest politics, soccer games, and weekend activities. 

While the managers and director may be the final decision-makers, they will typically value their coworker’s input and strive for consensus. When going to the Friday drinks at the end of the workweek - de vrijdagmiddagborrel - you’ll see that also there it doesn’t matter if the boss is around or not. Every single person expresses himself freely while enjoying a beer and typical Dutch ‘bitterballen’. 

But, don’t fall into the trap of wanting too much, too quickly. Although it may seem like us Dutchies are willing to discuss everything, we are actually more private and task oriented than we seem to be on forehand. We first have to get to know you better before fully opening up, and this might take some time. When you ask a question that we don’t want to answer, we’ll simply and honestly reply we’d rather not. Ouch. Rude much? Maybe, but hey: honesty first. 

A standard Dutch workweek consists of 36, 38, or 40 hours. We commonly work five days a week, seven to eight hours a day. Lunch breaks are usually 30 to 60 minutes (and unpaid, bummer), in which we like to go outside for a walk and a chat with colleagues - yes, walking equals talking! 

Over the last years, more and more Dutchies started working part-time. When working between 12 to 36 hours a week, you’re classified as having a part-time job - called ‘deeltijd’ in Dutch. When kids come into the picture, some parents like to have an extra day off to have a mummy or daddy day. In your out-of-office email message, you can bluntly mention you’re not in the office because changing your newborn’s diapers is your highest priority that day. Again, your colleagues will applaud this type of honesty.

Although Dutch people are anything but lazy and most of them like to work, we’re steadily shifting towards ‘a healthy working life'. With that, we value a good balance between private- and working life, and clear boundaries are preferred. Meaning laptops are not opened anymore after 6 PM and the weekend remains yours alone: private time to relax and recharge in which the boss is not in the picture. When emailing your colleagues during weekends, you’ll often get a reply by Monday - at the soonest. 

Cultural Norms to Keep in Mind

Punctuality: Being on time is crucial in the Netherlands. Arriving late can be seen as disrespectful, so aim to be punctual for meetings and appointments.

Dress Code: The dress code can vary by industry, but it generally leans towards smart casual. Familiarize yourself with your specific workplace's expectations. While adhering to the dress code is essential, it’s equally important to maintain your authenticity. Dressing in a way that reflects your personal style can enhance your confidence and help you feel more comfortable in your professional environment.

Socializing: Building relationships is important. Participate in social events and team-building activities to integrate into your workplace community.

Tips for Integration

Learn the language: While many Dutch people speak English fluently, learning some basic Dutch phrases can help you connect better with colleagues and show your commitment to integrating into the culture.

Be Open-Minded: Embrace differences in work styles and practices. Flexibility and adaptability will help you thrive in this new environment.

Seek feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your work. This not only demonstrates your willingness to learn but also helps you understand expectations better.

Network actively: Engage with colleagues both inside and outside of work. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and friendships.

A final piece of advice to end with: just go with the flow, enjoy working in the Netherlands, but also make the most of your time off. Share whatever you want to share during walks or lunches with your colleagues, but don’t go overboard. As always, balance is key.