If you’ve been living in the Netherlands for any length of time, you’ll know that many people speak English. In fact, it’s our second language. You’ll also know that in the workplace, Dutch is usually the preferred language. That means, if you don’t speak Dutch, miscommunication can sometimes be an issue.
As an employment agency, InAxtion specializes in connecting talent from other EU countries – often non-Dutch speakers – with technical work in the Netherlands. That means our consultants are familiar with many of the situations where miscommunication can arise between workers and their Dutch bosses.
To help you hopefully avoid any misunderstandings, both now and in the future, here’s our guide to handling your Dutch boss.
1 Be prepared to speak up
Compared with their home countries, some workers find that the general workplace culture in the Netherlands can take some getting used to. This is especially true for people who are used to a culture where ‘the boss knows best’.
As an employee in the Netherlands, you’re expected to voice your opinion on how something should be done. Depending on your specialism, this could be anything from pipe fitting to laying cables. That’s because you’re hired for your professional expertise, and your boss needs to be able to trust in your abilities. By sharing your opinion, you are more likely to find a solution together. Just make sure you listen and respect other people’s points of view as well!
2 Feedback isn’t personal
In the Dutch workplace, people – like your boss – can sometimes be very direct. But don’t worry, it’s nothing personal. Whilst individual opinions are highly valued, it’s also important to understand that this is part of a wider collaborative culture where people are working together to achieve common goals.
In industrial settings, such as petrochemical plants and shipyards, construction and maintenance, work is usually done in pairs. So, it’s common for people to give each other feedback to get the job done more effectively and efficiently. Be willing to give and receive feedback on the work done by other people, including your boss.
3 Ask the right questions
If you feel that your boss’s feedback is overly harsh, or you don’t fully understand something, getting upset and/or angry isn’t the best response. A better approach is to ask questions to get a fuller understanding. It’s okay to ask for further explanation or clarification. Asking questions is appreciated and almost expected. This is especially true for ‘newbies’.
More experienced employees are usually paired with new starters to help them learn the ropes. Whilst constantly answering questions can be a strain on your time, it’s important for ‘newbies’ to learn how things are done properly. They need to learn from the technical experts who are already in the position.
4 Good communication is key
In some cultures, it’s viewed as polite not to say anything in meetings or voice your opinion. As we’ve already covered, in the Netherlands the opposite is true. But for InAxtion workers, being a good communicator also has other benefits.
By regularly communicating with your co-workers, consultant, and boss, we get a much better idea of you as a person and how you’re getting on with a particular project. This can help us find future roles for you that are a good fit for your skills and approach.
Using your initiative is also very much appreciated (and noted). For example, if an assignment is given to you – such as cutting a piece of metal – and you finish it, go to your boss to discuss the next task.
5 Overcome the language barrier
Some projects only have Dutch-speaking supervisors. More generally, you’ll find that people in more senior positions tend to speak mostly Dutch. If you’re looking to develop your career in the Netherlands, it’s a good idea to learn the language.
The good news for InAxtion employees is that we’ve partnered with the School For Effective Language Courses – SVET – to provide Dutch classes for free. You can discover more about this offer in our article: InAxtion Employees Can Sign Up For Free Dutch Lessons – Here’s How.
We also have a few tips and tricks for improving your communication with your Dutch colleagues and boss. Translation apps on your phone are a great way to learn keywords, especially technical terms. Your Dutch-speaking consultant at InAxtion can also help you if communication breaks down between you and your Dutch boss. We can even arrange to visit your workplace in person to discuss things face-to-face.
Looking for more advice on living and working in the Netherlands? Find helpful information and insights on InAxtion news.
