Everything You Need to Know about the Professional Culture of the Netherlands

When discussing professional cultures around the world, the Netherlands provides some significant insight into multilingual practices and efficient workdays. A Northern European country of 17 million Dutch speakers, the Netherlands is a popular destination for expats ; the majority of foreign employees work in the Randstad , a composite of the country’s most populous cities : Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague and Utrecht. In addition to a stellar healthcare system, exemplary public education and modern infrastructure, the Netherlands’ werkcultuur reflects the nation’s progressive values as well as its older traditions.

A twenty-nine hour work week may seem improbable for any nation… however the Netherlands achieves just that (on average). Needless to say then, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a priority for the Dutch workforce, and many employees choose to work part-time. Jobs that require more than 38 hours per week demand a higher salary from employers, or additional vacation time.

This is not surprising considering that the Dutch people value a strong divide between private and professional lives. Almost 50% of the Dutch workforce chooses to keep a part-time schedule. With regards to full-time employees, working hours may be fewer, as most people will leave the office at 5 P.M., but their potential is maximized through keeping “work for work” and focusing on efficiency.

This importance of equilibrium between work life and personal life can be reflected in the Dutch language itself — the English word ‘burnout’ is used to refer to severe exhaustion, usually resulting from work-related stress. The government protects its people from the dangers of work exhaustion and reserves paid leave for employees suffering from burnout.

This mentality also means that social lives remain outside the walls of the office. Business dinners are rare (according to the Dutch, evenings should be reserved for family time), and work lunches rarely carry a social function. The one exception to the rule? Company borrels , a.k.a. occasional office gatherings for beer and snacks.

The Dutch population takes pride in the gezin culture, or keeping an environment that reflects the family. Interiors may have a cozy and inclusive feel, and conversations among colleagues will focus on the collective, and listening to all voices and perspectives. It is worth keeping in mind, then, that breaking off into one-on-one conversations while in a group may be perceived as impolite.

In this manner, Dutch companies prioritize teamwork and coming to a consensus when making a decision or taking on a new project. Meetings occur frequently, in order to keep all team members on the same page.

Generally speaking, hierarchy is left by the wayside, and excessive formality while speaking to supervisors or managers should be avoided. Indeed, the country as a whole highlights progressive egalitarian values and policies, and this philosophy permeates the Dutch business culture as well.

Additionally, honesty is key in Dutch social interactions. In comparison to some Anglo-Saxon cultures, for example, bluntness and ‘telling it like it is’ is not seen as rude, but rather as an opportunity to help colleagues improve through critique.