The added value a Dutch language course for international companies
Employees who truly feel at home
For many expats, moving to the Netherlands is an adventure, but it can also be challenging. Building a social network, getting used to the culture and finding your place at work can take time. Speaking Dutch can make a huge difference when it comes to integration.
- Expats who learn the language feel part of the team more quickly.
- They gain a better understanding of Dutch culture, from the direct feedback style to Friday afternoon drinks.
- They experience greater job satisfaction – making them more likely to stay with their employer for longer.
That last point is important: currently, only 34% of EU labour migrants and 50% of migrants from outside the EU remain in the Netherlands for more than five years. Companies that offer language training increase the chances of their international employees truly settling in and staying longer. For employers, this means lower staff turnover, reduced recruitment costs and greater continuity within teams.
Stronger teams, better collaboration
Language is the glue that holds a team together. In multilingual organisations, groups can form unintentionally: colleagues who speak Dutch among themselves and colleagues who mainly communicate in English. This can lead to misunderstandings or even make international employees feel excluded.
Teaching expats Dutch helps break down these barriers. Everyone can join informal conversations, meetings run more smoothly and collaboration naturally becomes stronger. The result: inclusive teams where knowledge and ideas are shared more effectively.
Customers appreciate it
Speaking Dutch also makes a significant difference outside the company. Many customers and business partners appreciate being addressed in their own language. It builds trust and helps conversations flow more smoothly. Research shows that 70% of consumers feel more loyal to a company that communicates in their native language. An employee who can switch to Dutch can therefore increase the chances of building a lasting relationship with a customer.
A surprisingly valuable employee benefit
In the war for talent, every employee benefit counts. Think extra days off, a gym membership or a professional development budget. But there is one benefit that does not always appear in job vacancies yet can be particularly valuable to expats: the opportunity to learn Dutch.
A good language course is enjoyable and social, while also giving international employees the tools they need to feel at home outside the workplace. For many international professionals, this could even be a deciding factor when choosing your organisation over a competitor. It shows that you look beyond job performance and genuinely invest in your people.
UvA Talen: your partner for corporate language training
At UvA Talen, we know how important language is in a professional environment. As an affiliated partner of the University of Amsterdam, we offer professional Dutch courses tailored specifically to the needs of international companies in the Randstad.
Our advantages:
- Tailor-made programmes designed around your employees’ language levels and day-to-day professional needs.
- Flexibility: training can be provided in-company, online or in a hybrid format.
- Experienced trainers who understand how international teams work and what businesses need.
Whether you are looking for an intensive course for expats who want to make rapid progress or flexible e-learning for busy professionals, we make sure learning is both enjoyable and effective.
Conclusion
Learning Dutch is more than acquiring a skill – it is a key to greater success for both employees and employers. Companies that invest in language courses can benefit from happier employees, stronger teams, better customer relationships and a more attractive employer brand. And the figures speak for themselves: investing in language skills can contribute to greater employee retention, more satisfied customers and a stronger position in the market.
👉 Curious about how your organisation could benefit? Get in touch with us and discover how a corporate Dutch language course can help both your international employees and your business move forward.