Dutch Work Ethics

By: Together Abroad 04-07-2017 3:38 PM
Categories: * Daily employment news, * Ethics ,

Being ranked 1st in the world for work-life balance by the OECD, the Netherlands has not only earned its reputation as a country with a relaxed work ethic, but also as a happier country overall. This high quality of life is attributed to well-defined working hours that rarely exceed 40 hours a week and strong worker’s rights. Of course, this attitude to work is also inherent of Dutch culture, where workers would typically prefer a balanced work life to spare time for family and personal matters, rather than earning excessive amounts of money; this is further proven by the number of Dutch workers who choose to work part-time (26.8% of men and 76.6% of women).

Aside from a more laid-back approach to work, visitors to the Netherlands are often surprised by the difference in Dutch communication; Dutch people tend to be a lot more direct and forthcoming in their communication. This can be jarring for people of other cultures because Dutch people do not tend to read context in conversations and can be distrustful of people who they deem to be overly polite, instead detecting what they think could be a hidden unpleasantness. In a sense, this can also prove advantageous because it means the Dutch are open to receiving and sharing constructive criticism in their work to help them improve.

The structure of a Dutch company also presents a change of pace for unfamiliar visitors; because the Netherlands is an egalitarian society, every worker’s opinion is valued and they do not pay too much mind to the hierarchy at work. Numerous visitors to the Netherlands are shocked by how superiors are normally addressed more casually, usually on a first name basis as opposed to being called ‘sir’ or ‘madam’. This also applies to business practices where business decisions normally require a consensus from all workers within a company and every voice and opinion is valued. This can make business meetings a lengthy process, but it ensures that workers are kept content and included within decisions.

One more thing to note is that Dutch workers prefer to draw a clear line between their work and personal lives. This ties in with the Dutch attitude towards efficiency; they hate to waste anything and are self-disciplined in the way they fully allocate their work time to work. This means personal issues should stay outside of work and socialising with workers is usually done outside of work.

Overall, there are numerous differences to be wary of when moving from another country to work in the Netherlands, even more than what has been previously mentioned. As expected when moving to another country, it is important to keep an open mind and to be perceptive of any cultural and ethical differences to better adapt to your job abroad.

By Edward Mah
This article is restricted. You have to be logged in to be able to add further reactions.

Our Career programs assist you to Get hired

For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer

Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager

If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant 

 

New item