Learning Dutch at Work: How Companies Can Actually Help

Discover what really works when companies help staff learn Dutch: structure, repetition and cultural insight that make learning part of work.
Oct 21

Here we go again

More and more international professionals come to the Netherlands to live and work. They bring talent, perspective and diversity, but often struggle with one essential part of integration: the Dutch language.


Every HR department knows the feeling: employees want to feel part of the culture, yet time, budget and priorities get in the way.

The result is predictable. Courses start, enthusiasm is high, but within weeks participation drops and progress stalls.

So what really works when it comes to learning Dutch at work?


Why Dutch at work matters more than you think

Research by the Dutch Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) shows that international employees who learn Dutch report higher job satisfaction, stronger belonging and longer retention.


Language is not just about vocabulary. It changes how people participate in meetings, understand informal communication and connect during coffee breaks or team outings.


When colleagues can say “Hoe was je weekend?” or understand the joke in a group chat, integration stops being a policy goal and becomes reality.


The most common mistakes companies make

1. Treating language as a side project

Many organizations see Dutch lessons as a “nice to have” benefit instead of a strategic investment. The result: short-term courses with limited support and no follow-up practice.

2. Expecting fluency too fast

Promising “B1 in three months” is unrealistic. Sustainable progress takes structure, repetition and time. Learners who follow a steady path from A1 to B1 achieve far better long-term results than those who rush.

3. Offering classes without reinforcement

Traditional group lessons help with awareness, but without daily repetition employees forget 70% within two weeks (Ebbinghaus, Forgetting Curve). Without digital reinforcement, the learning impact fades fast.


What actually works: evidence-based solutions

1. Combine structure, autonomy and repetition

According to adult learning research from Utrecht University, adults learn fastest when they have both guided structure and autonomy. Dutch Online applies this through:

  • Structured e-learning modules (clear grammar, progress tracking)

  • Smart Practice (short, daily micro exercises that adapt to each learner)

  • Live speaking classes (social connection and accountability)

This combination activates both short-term memory and procedural learning, crucial for language retention.


2. Integrate Dutch into working hours

Companies that allow employees to spend even one hour per week of work time on Dutch learning see up to 40% higher completion rates. The message is simple: if you treat learning Dutch as part of work, employees will too.

3. Link learning goals to daily work

When language learning is linked to real tasks like writing emails, joining stand-ups, or giving short updates, it becomes immediately relevant.
At B1 level, for example, employees can express opinions, clarify requests and write structured messages.

4. Support with culture, not just grammar

Language and culture are inseparable. Dutch workplaces often expect direct communication and informal interaction. Learning how to say things is just as important as what to say.
A short module on Dutch work culture or directness can prevent misunderstandings and build trust faster than months of grammar alone.


The business impact: beyond language

Investing in Dutch skills pays back in many ways. It goes far beyond communication, it influences how people feel, perform and stay.

Employee retention
When international employees can participate in Dutch life, they feel included. That sense of belonging directly reduces turnover, especially among skilled professionals who might otherwise leave after a short contract.

Internal communication
Teams that share one working language make fewer mistakes and collaborate faster. A shared understanding in meetings and emails saves time, avoids frustration and improves productivity.

Customer experience
Dutch-speaking staff instantly build more trust with local customers and partners. Even a simple greeting or short conversation in Dutch can change how a client perceives your company.

Employer brand
Companies that invest in language training show genuine commitment to inclusion and long-term growth. It signals that you want people to belong, not just to work here.

A small, consistent investment in language learning creates measurable returns in engagement, productivity and reputation.

Want to explore Dutch Online for your team?

Let’s discuss how we can help your employees build real Dutch skills, with measurable progress and minimal extra work for HR.

FAQ: Dutch Learning at Work

Looking for more tips? Check out our other articles!