Welcome to the Netherlands, where work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword but practically a national sport! You’ve probably heard some rumors about how the Dutch don’t work that much, and yet their productivity levels seem to skyrocket. Spoiler alert: it’s true. But there’s so much more to the Dutch work culture than just clocking out at 5 PM on the dot. Let’s spill the tea on what it’s really like to work here as an international, and how you can survive (and thrive) in this beautifully efficient environment.
So, Do the Dutch Really Work Less?
If you’ve ever taken a late-afternoon stroll through a Dutch city, you might notice something strange—streets bustling with people leaving work before sunset! The Netherlands is famous for having one of the shortest average workweeks in the world, hovering around 30 hours a week. And no, it’s not a country full of part-timers. The Dutch just know how to squeeze the most out of every workday, which means they work smart, not hard.
While most of the world is hustling until the wee hours, Dutch employees are already heading to their favorite local pub for a borrel (that’s Dutch for after-work drinks—more on that later).
Dutch Work = Productive Work
You might think, How can they get everything done in so little time? The Dutch have mastered the art of focus. Meetings are tight, goals are clear, and there’s no dilly-dallying. If you’re not productive, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb in this environment. The upside? When you’re done, you’re done. No glorification of long hours or staying late just to look busy.
The Work-Life Balance We All Dream Of
The beauty of Dutch work culture is the balance. There’s a saying that sums it up: “We work to live, not live to work.” It’s why you’ll rarely see a Dutch person still in the office after 5 PM. You’re more likely to see them out on their bikes, picking up some fresh bread, or heading to the park for a well-deserved evening off. Their productivity during working hours means they can log off and really switch off.
And that’s not all. Work-life balance also means they take their lunch breaks seriously. No eating at your desk while answering emails—Dutchies are known for sitting down, enjoying their meal, and chatting with colleagues (or heading out for a quick bite if the weather’s good).
How to Land a Job as an International Student
Okay, now that you’re sold on the Dutch dream, let’s talk about how to get a job here as an international student. We’ve all heard the classic excuse: “I can’t find work because I don’t speak Dutch!” While it’s true that some jobs will require Dutch, not all hope is lost. Plenty of sectors, like hospitality, logistics, and tech, are open to English-speaking internationals. But it does take some persistence and clever networking.
