Dutch Workplace 101

Seven months into our journey abroad, and I can finally say that I'm employed! Not speaking Dutch was an unexpected, HUGE hurdle in my job search - just because everyone here knows English doesn't mean that's what they want to speak in the workplace. Not to mention, Dutch and American healthcare systems are very different so my experience wasn't exactly transferable. Well, I've been fortunate to find Tired of Cancer, a Dutch healthcare start-up that has not only embraced my native English, but actually appreciates my knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system. For those interested, check out www.untire.me (shameless plug of our new app for patients fighting and recovering from cancer). Okay, now I wanted share my experience of what work life really looks like here:

Vacation!!!

There were immediately a few items that I couldn't help but highlight as I was reviewing the contents of my job offer. The standard Dutch vacation allotment is set at 20 days with most companies allowing 25 days a year. Yes - you read that right - and that is not counting government holidays. That is the LAW for everyone regardless of position. Sure beats the 14 days that I've had the past 8 years. There was also something else that caught my eye: the 'Vacation Fund'. Wha? Not only do you get 25 days a year to be out of the office but you get one month's pay to support said vacation days. Italy, here we come!

Now, there is a reason vacation is highly regarded here. There is a strong work ethic with a work hard, play hard mentality. From my experience thus far, the work place is a very focused atmosphere. By that I mean there aren't 15 minute office break chit chat sessions or long lunches. The time in the office is focused and efficient, which has been an adjustment yet a welcome change.

Trial Periods and Contracts:

The Netherlands has strong protections for employees, which means lots of red tape and headaches for employers. It isn't easy to fire someone so employers must tread carefully when hiring. Think of it like a Union.  The first 30 days is seen as a test period for both the employee and the employer to ensure a good fit. If it's not, either party can part exit the contract without issue. After that, your tenure with the company is dictated by your contract, which is normally 6-12 months. From there, your employer can decide to renew…or not.

Dutch Lunch

The standard lunch fare here is well, very Dutch. Simple, inexpensive, filling. Bread is the centerpiece with lots of dips, spreads and other condiments to create a decently healthy lunch. Given the simplicity, there isn't the need for an office microwave or freezer. Our office provides lunch, making life a little easier every morning as it's one less thing I have to worry about. I am already juggling enough between getting myself ready while convincing a toddler to eat breakfast, get dressed, and get in her stroller so we can get out the door.

Lunch is a no-fuss event where we pull out the lunch fixings, dishware and other necessities and sit down within a matter of minutes. We fuel up, chat about the latest news (often whatever crazy tweet storm is happening back in the U.S.) then back to work. I know many in the U.S. often opt for takeout, frozen dinners or leftovers at their desks, but the Dutch approach is refreshing yet efficient! Now, I have to admit I do miss the occasional Jimmy John's sandwich (California Veggie) or Publix market run during the lunch hour, but I can definitely get used to this.

On the topic of food, I had mention some popular (and delicious) Dutch dietary staples:

Hagelslag:  Now most kids would delight in the excuse to eat chocolate sprinkles at breakfast or lunch. Here, it is just what you eat as part of a balanced diet. Really, no joke. Now, keep in mind the standard American cereal, donut or pop tart probably has as much sugar but sprinkles for breakfast just sounds like a diet buster. 

 Applestroop: This sweet, molasses like substance is often used in combination with old cheese. A bit too sweet to be eaten alone (although I am sure there are plenty of kids that do) it always appears on Dutch cheese plates where you would normally find accouterments like honey or marmalade.  You'd be surprised to find that an Applestroop and Old Cheese sandwich is a more common combination than the beloved PB&J. 

Pindakaas (peanut butter) Now on the topic of PB, I had to bring up that the Dutch have the BEST peanut butter brand you can find on the supermarket shelf. Anyone work at Unilever? I need to understand why this brand is available here in NL but not in the USA. Move over, Jiff. This is 10x better than any U.S. peanut butter I've had. The texture and taste are in perfect balance. Our 2 year old peanut butter connoisseur now refuses to eat anything else. Any chance we can get Costco to carry it in jumbo jars? https://www.calve.nl/pindakaas/