So, you’ve landed in the Netherlands, ready to conquer the job market. You’ve polished your CV, sent out applications, and then—bam!—culture shock hits you harder than a gust of wind on your bike ride to an interview. 🚲💨
Understanding Dutch work culture can make all the difference in your job search and workplace experience. Here are 14 essential tips to help you succeed:
1️⃣ Be Direct and Clear 💬
The Dutch don’t sugarcoat things. They believe directness saves time and makes communication clearer. When interviewing or networking, get to the point—skip the fluff, say what you want, and embrace the brutal honesty.
2️⃣ Expect Honest Feedback 😬
Dutch colleagues and managers won’t hesitate to give straightforward, no-nonsense feedback. It’s not personal—it’s just how things work. Take it as a growth opportunity and don’t get offended!
3️⃣ Meetings = Coffee, Lots of Coffee ☕
Your first week on the job? Expect multiple “koffiepauzes” (coffee breaks). It’s where real networking happens. Pro tip:If you skip the coffee round, you risk looking antisocial!
4️⃣ Work-Life Balance is Sacred ⏰
At 5:00 PM, emails stop, laptops close, and your colleagues vanish like magic. Dutch employers value efficiency over overtime. In job interviews, emphasizing work-life balance can actually work in your favor!
5️⃣ No Micromanagement – Take Initiative 🎯
Your manager won’t breathe down your neck. Instead, you’re expected to be independent, take initiative, and get things done without constant supervision.
6️⃣ Your Boss is Just a ‘Colleague’ 📢
Hierarchies are flat, and you’re expected to speak up and challenge ideas—even if your manager is in the room. Treat your boss like an equal, but maybe don’t call them dude in the first week. 😅
7️⃣ Punctuality is King 👑
A 9:00 AM meeting? Be there at 8:59. The Dutch value being on time—whether it’s for work, interviews, or even social plans. Running late? Let people know ASAP (and blame the wind if necessary).
8️⃣ Lunch = Sandwiches, Not Hot Meals 🥪
Dutch lunch culture is basic. Expect quick sandwiches at your desk or a communal lunch table—no elaborate meals or long breaks. Bonus points if you eat hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) on bread like a true Dutchie.
9️⃣ Small Talk? Keep It Short 🗣️
A simple “Hoe gaat het?” (How are you?) doesn’t mean they want your life story. Keep small talk brief—work discussions start quickly, no need for long-winded pleasantries.
🔟 You’re Expected to Challenge Authority 💡
It’s perfectly normal to question your manager or suggest a better way of doing things. A good debate is appreciated, not punished.
1️⃣1️⃣ Your Work Contract Might Include a ‘Bore Out’ Clause 📜
Yes, Dutch contracts sometimes mention that being bored at work is your own responsibility. If you’re not challenged, it’s up to you to ask for new projects or tasks!
1️⃣2️⃣ Celebrating Success? Keep It Humble 🎉
Bragging about your achievements? Not the Dutch way. Instead of self-promotion, they value team success and modesty. Keep it down-to-earth.
1️⃣3️⃣ Work-from-Home is Normal (and Expected!) 🏡
Many Dutch companies embrace hybrid or remote work, so you won’t always be stuck in an office. But even at home, be reachable and efficient—no sneaky midday Netflix marathons.
1️⃣4️⃣ Friday Borrel – The Unofficial Dutch Work Tradition 🍻
At the end of the week, “vrijmibo” (vrijdagmiddagborrel, Friday afternoon drinks) is the norm. Grabbing a beer with colleagues is almost a business ritual. Not a drinker? No worries—just showing up builds good relationships!
Want to Navigate Dutch Work Culture Like a Pro? 🚀
Curious about more Dutch work culture hacks? Join my upcoming workshops where we decode Dutch work culture, communication, and job search strategies—without losing your mind in the process.
