The Netherlands has a reputation for being an open, tolerant society. With a population of about 17 million people, spread out over an area of only 40,000 square kilometers, it is the most densely populated country in Europe, with an average of 394 people per square kilometer. Such a close packing of inhabitants has resulted in the Dutch being extremely organized, in both their private and professional lives. It is therefore understandable that a culture of straight talking is the logical outcome, and this is what you will find in living and working in the Netherlands!
Although a generalization, the Dutch do tend to be a very direct people. In the workplace, it is expected that you will simply speak your mind, regardless of whether it is ‘appropriate’ in a normal social context. I was once told by a Dutch person that they “don’t work to make friends”, and in my experience this is generally true. This does not mean that Dutch colleagues are rude and unsociable (far from it!). However if something needs to be said, it will most likely be said, regardless of the state of the feelings of either party.
With the Netherlands being a highly egalitarian society, you can expect that the workplace will be similarly organized. A story from a Brazilian general manager is instructive here: After moving to the Netherlands for work, he remarked: “I am happy that my Dutch personnel did not throw me out of my office the first week I worked in Amsterdam. As top manager in Rio, I barely spoke to my lower personnel. I was used to giving orders and being served. In Amsterdam I learned to exchange some words daily with the cleaning lady, to discuss all the work with my managers and to kindly ask my secretary what phone calls came in for me. I am now used to making my own photocopies and coffee. Once you know the rules here, it is very pleasant and productive to work in such an open society."
Blending in with your Dutch colleagues is not such a difficult thing if you remember the lessons above. If one of your colleagues tells you your work is not up to scratch, or something similarly direct, it is probably not meant in offense, but merely as a suggestion (as they see it). In addition, do not be alarmed if the normal workplace hierarchy you expect does not materialize. Work meetings tend to be very ‘level’, with people not necessarily waiting for the person in charge to speak first, and so forth. Socializing is normally done in ‘borrels’, a quintessentially Dutch invention, being neither a party nor a dinner, but just enough of both. It is a great way to meet your colleagues and learn more about the Dutch way of life.
Adam Watson