Going abroad for work often involves a great deal of stress and even greater expectations. It’s not uncommon before a first trip to check all generally available information about the destination country, yet already during the stay it turns out that some of the previously acquired knowledge doesn’t have to do anything with reality. The same is true of working in the Netherlands, which means that it’s worth knowing what it’s really like and what the most common myths about it are.
Going abroad for work – first inaccuracies
The Netherlands is distinguished from other European countries by the fact that flower care work or fruit and vegetable harvesting are extremely popular here. You can indeed earn a lot when doing such jobs. Working in the Netherlands, however, isn’t only about seasonal work. Workers from central and eastern Europe work in the Netherlands even on Christmas Day. Greenhouses, production facilities, or warehouses operate all year round. In addition to horticulture, temporary workers work in production, logistics, and transport. One of the jobs that are very popular with people coming to work in the Netherlands is picker which involves preparing orders for dispatch, i.e. picking products using a hand-held scanner.
Language skills – a must or just a welcome advantage?
Working abroad without knowing the language is very common, especially among graduates of vocational schools, university students or graduates, who want to earn money for their first car or save up enough to be able to apply for a mortgage. In the Netherlands, there is no shortage of people including students. Command of a foreign language is not at all required. What’s more, most agencies have dedicated online platforms for communicating with employees. The most important fact, which should please everybody planning to go to the Netherlands to work there, is that jobs are in abundance there. Staff shortages are particularly noticeable in manufacturing companies, which employ people without:- experience,
- education background,
- language skills.
Going to work in the Netherlands – what else do you need to know?
Employers won’t cover your accommodation or insurance costs. The employee has these fees deducted from their salary. On the other hand, they will often help you with insurance and housing formalities, as they are very keen to attract new employees. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that most agencies offer work with accommodation, which has many advantages – the paperwork is dealt with by the agency, the rent is cheaper, and the accommodation itself is located closer to the workplace. Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands, while the amount varies depending on the healthcare coverage. It’s advisable to check whether the package includes specific services, e.g. dental care.At some production facilities, special interpreters are employed so that communication between the workforce and their superiors is smooth and instructions are understood by everybody. If you don’t speak Dutch, such a place will be a good place for you to start your professional life in the Netherlands. These are the places where employers face the greatest staffing problems and all that matters to them is your willingness and sincere desire to work hard and diligently.
