There's plenty to learn about working in an office in the Netherlands and a lot that can catch you off-guard, like all the wet raincoats drying at the office on a rainy day or the extremely short lunch breaks the Dutch take to eat their cheese sandwich. So, before you start your first day at the office, take a minute to learn about these office habits and you'll be well prepared for the weird but cute Dutchies...
(Almost) everyone arrives on a bike
Most of the people in the office will come by bike. Of course, you are in the Netherlands and if there is one true stereotype, it’s that Dutch people do everything on their bike. And yes, also when it’s raining cats and dogs! So, don’t be surprised if you see your new colleagues walking around on their socks because their shoes are drying next to the wet raincoats. Let’s say it gives the office a cosy vibe. A big advantage: no traffic jams or stuck in overfull subways!
Coffee and coffee runs
Coffee is a big thing in Dutch offices. But not because of the amazing coffee machines or -stands. No, the Dutch people love to drink their coffee just black (een zwarte koffie), also when it’s cheap-ass canteen coffee.
The thing is, when you are going to get a coffee yourself, you can’t forget to ask the colleagues who are sitting in your area or at your office island what they would like. And by doing that, take your time for some coffee corner small talk!
Directness of your colleagues
You've probably heard it before or been warned about it, Dutch people are known for their directness. So, expect your new colleagues to make the occasional very direct remark. This could be about your outfit or about the work you've done. Whether positive or negative, the Dutchies will tell you like it is. One thing to remember is that they don't do this to get you down, but more to help you and give you feedback.
The (short-short) lunch break
We couldn’t skip on this one in this office habits list; one of the biggest differences compared to other countries is the Dutch office lunch. Where employees in other countries take all their time for this break, in the Netherlands everyone will be back after half an hour. Or even worse, they just eat their sandwich behind their desk. Also, don’t be surprised if your colleagues already start having this short sandwich lunch at 11:30 am...
Stop working at five or six o'clock
A positive consequence of this short lunch is that you can shut down your computer at 5:00 or 6:00 pm, just like all your colleagues, so you can be back home on time for dinner. Seriously, without any more eating habits jokes, most Dutch people really work between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm.
The vrijmibo
At some companies on Fridays, you can even shut your computer down a bit more early because of the vrijmibo! Vrijmibo is an abbreviation for vrijdagmiddagborrel, it means Friday afternoon drinks. This is the moment to get casual with your colleagues and have fun after a week of working together. Some offices have their own bar or another option can be a bar near the office. Try not to miss out on these vrijmibos, because getting to know your colleagues while drinking some beers is the best way!
Bank holidays
In addition to the standard worldwide bank holidays, the Netherlands has a few of its own. On these days, you probably have a day off and sometimes there will be some attention to them at the office. April 27 is the King's birthday and the office and your colleagues will undoubtedly be dressed and decorated orange. You can expect pepernoten and maybe even a present in your shoe on December 5, because that is when Dutch people celebrate Sinterklaas.
Time to start working
Now that you've read some of the most typical Dutch office habits, you are ready for your first day! So, go grab your bike, put on your raincoat and enjoy the cosiness of the Dutch companies. We can say a lot about the perhaps weird office habits and vibes, but one thing is for sure: the working conditions in Dutch companies are highly rated!
Do you have other office-related questions before starting your first working day in the Netherlands? Contact
Dutch Umbrella Company, an IND-certified sponsor with a specialised team offering extensive knowledge and experience to help skilled professionals migrate to, and work in, the Netherlands.