Workplace Culture
Dutch workplace culture is known for its flat hierarchy, work-life balance, and some unique traditions like the borrel. Understanding these norms will help you succeed in a Dutch office.
The Borrel
The "borrel" is a quintessentially Dutch tradition — an informal after-work drink, usually on Friday (vrijdagmiddagborrel). It's an important social event where colleagues relax, chat, and bond outside of work tasks. There's usually beer, wine, and bitterballen.
Attending the borrel is technically optional, but it's highly recommended for building relationships. Many important conversations happen during borrels.
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | English 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|
| Ga je mee naar de borrel? | Are you coming to the borrel? |
| Proost! | Cheers! |
| Nog eentje? | One more? |
| de vrijdagmiddagborrel | the Friday afternoon drinks |
Flat Hierarchy
Dutch companies typically have a flat organizational structure. Managers are approachable and often sit in the same open office space as everyone else. It's common to call your boss by their first name.
Everyone's opinion is valued, and decisions are made through consensus (poldermodel). This means meetings can take longer, but everyone feels heard.
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | English 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|
| Wat vinden jullie? | What do you all think? |
| de vergadering | the meeting |
| het overleg | the consultation/meeting |
| de lunchpauze | the lunch break |
Lunch Culture
Dutch lunch is famously simple: a broodje (sandwich) with cheese or ham, often eaten at your desk or in a canteen. Don't expect a warm meal — that's reserved for dinner (avondeten). Lunch breaks are typically 30 minutes.
Many companies provide a lunch in the canteen (kantine) for a small fee. Eating together with colleagues is common and a good way to build relationships.
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | English 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|
| Zullen we samen lunchen? | Shall we have lunch together? |
| een broodje kaas | a cheese sandwich |
| de kantine | the canteen |
Work-Life Balance
The Dutch take work-life balance seriously. Working part-time is very common, even for men. Many people work 4 days a week and have a "papadag" or "mamadag" (a day off to spend with children). Leaving the office on time is expected — staying late is not seen as dedication but as poor time management.
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | English 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|
| Ik werk vier dagen per week. | I work four days a week. |
| de papadag | daddy day (day off for childcare) |
| vrije dagen | days off / vacation days |
| parttime werken | to work part-time |
Do's and Don'ts
✅ Do
- •Join the borrel, especially when you're new
- •Be on time for meetings — punctuality matters
- •Share your opinion openly in meetings
- •Use first names, even with your manager
❌ Don't
- •Don't stay late at the office to impress — it won't work
- •Don't skip lunch with colleagues too often
- •Don't expect a warm lunch — bring a boterham!