The Dutch Way of Working

ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
The Dutch Way of Working
The video explains the Dutch work environment. It’s well known that Dutch people work to live, not the other way around. But what skills do you need to thrive in the workplace and get along with your Dutch colleagues? In short: forget hierarchy.

//
IN Amsterdam (formerly Expatcenter Amsterdam) is the official government office providing a one-stop-shop service for international newcomers in the Amsterdam Area.

NEWSLETTER:

//
Municipality of Amstelveen

[jaymo]

I am new to the Netherlands, having lived around the world, took some getting used to the direct speak, but love it now, and just love how strangers in the street are very quick with a smile when walking past each other, Think its the combination of exercise every day from cycling to work come rain or shine and living next to water all the time. Its really great living here!

[peer_]

In the Netherlands I once worked at a firm that was taken over by an American Company. We all got a booklet with the new american work culture. For example: when the chef calls, you immediately had to come, because the company was more important than your family. No company, no family they wrote. We all had a good laugh at it and we worked on as usual. After 40 years the firm still exists😉😁

[joebar]

HAHAHA we had a new manager from the Phillipines, and the first day at 16:30 people turned down their PC's, to go home, and he asked angry what they are doing??? Going home, it's time...
No no no, nobody goes home before I go home...
Sorry that may be in the phillipines so, but here time is time...See you tomorrow

[lp]

so true!!! ive lived 10 years in the netherlands, the most important things for a dutch is "be there on time or before, speak "DUTCH" properly, always plan in advance, be VERY efficiant at work and always be nice to your collegues at ALL time, in the netherland, if you need help for anything, THEY will help you anytime, for me Netherland is the best country on "how to become sumone", ik kan ook de taal praten as ik will, nederland is ECHT SUPER TOPPI!!, Bedankt Nederland !!

[teooreo]

I work for an Amsterdam company, and let me tell you, they won’t express their appreciation, but if everything is on track, that means it’s good, and you're good. Took me ages to realize this. Dutch folks are amazing! they’ve got a culture as rich as their stroopwafels

[brianmaphar]

Nice to see these facts about being Dutch. I am Dutch and after having lived in The Netherlands for 35+ years, I moved to Canada 5 years ago. I still pride myself in the 'Dutch way' of working, people here appreciate (??) me for working in that way. Yes, I'm blunt/direct; will speak my mind when something isn't going the way we discussed it earlier; am always on time and annoyed when others are not. My excuse: ' I'm Dutch'
Parts of me want to distance myself from my Dutch habits, but I've come to realize that this is easier said than done. I can see that newcomers to The Netherlands have some sort of a culture shock, bigger or just a small one.
My blunt advise: Just deal with it. You'll learn to go with the flow and if you put effort into it, the Dutchies will see it and accept you as their co-worker.

[davegadge]

Ten years in Amsterdam, I can say that I leant a lot, I like the way the cultures does not respect working until stupid o’clock. Now I work in Beijing and working until 11PM is common.

[agathahofmann]

also we love part timing. a lot of women work 3 days a week and most men have dad days too.

[herbertdarick]

I am Dutch but I haven't lived in Holland for more than 20 years. The Dutch way of working is very pleasant and productive because people work together efficiently thanks to good and open communication. But going out for a drink with my Dutch colleagues or even going for lunch wasn't much fun. Most people continued talking about work or kept being very reserved. Maybe the horrible broodje kaas met karnemelk lunches didn't help either.

[wimschoenmakers]

Say what you do, and do what you said! Simple as that. 😁

[RFGfotografie]

Awesome video :) Feeling proud to be Dutch. Though as a typical Dutch men, I am also a bit skeptical about this as it doesn't work that way everywhere. Lucky my job is perfect for me though :)

[irinakypriou]

Which country has better work life balance ? Netherlands ?
France ?
Sweden ?
Germany ?

[BrigataUPG]

My question is about English language used at work and whether policy, procedures email exchange are in english.
Thank you

[janottens]

Yes i work to live, is there an other way ??? So yes that would be horribel 😞

[fahadamin]

what is the strength of dutch economy, what type of sector in netherland....

[NYtoDCtoNY]

Te veel over kantoorbanen. Daarbuiten is het toch ook weer wel wat anders hoor. Iets teveel van het goede

[DuxJerome]

Managers like lots of meetings because it justifies their desks.

[johnnydinnissen]

It's just a shame that they are throwing away the Dutch way with all those managers
First we had a chief who did the work of 4 managers now and really made decisions and didn't think short term

[peet]

As if every Dutch person works in an office or has meetings all the time.

Spoiler alert : Most don't.

[mogeking]

I am retired so I am moving where it’s cold and wet all the time this is why the Dutch are always depressed