The Netherlands is A Top Destination For Expats Seeking Work-Life Balance
With a population of more than 17 million people, the Netherlands is a great destination to live in due to the high quality of life it provides. The country stands out as one of the most progressive places in the world, with Dutch people being among the happiest on Earth. Unsurprisingly, the Netherlands is incredibly popular among expats, and for most of them, setting in is fairly easy, as the Dutch are very welcoming to foreigners. Now, living in the Netherlands as an expat is by no means perfect, as there are some cons. For instance, the country has a higher cost of living than the UK. But does this make the Netherlands less appealing to expats? Not really. The community of expats accounts for 17 million people who are satisfied with their job security, excellent work-life balance and, for those eligible, the 30% facility tax advantage.
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What are the best cities for expats in the Netherlands?
When deciding to move to the Netherlands, choosing a city is one of the most challenging things. In general, expats have some top picks, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven. Amsterdam hosts many international businesses, including Tesla Motors and Netflix. Finding a job here is not difficult for expats, as many multinationals want to build a workforce from various foreign countries. Regarding leisure time, Amsterdam is known for its vibrant nightlife and for hosting many festivals during the year, so it’s impossible to get bored in this amazing city.
Eindhoven is another great place in the Netherlands, with a lively atmosphere and excellent work-life balance. If you want to pursue a career in IT, Eindhoven provides many employment opportunities in the field, as the city is focused on tech and innovation. If you move to this city, you’ll definitely want to explore the surroundings, as there are many great things to see and experience! A Car Rental at Eindhoven airport is a convenient way to discover the magic of the Netherlands as you make the most of your vacation.
What is the Dutch secret to a healthy work-life balance?
Above all else, employees strive to achieve work-life balance, which is only understandable, given its role in your emotional well-being and overall fulfillment. Work is vital because it allows you to ensure you can put food on the table, pay your bills and, hopefully, pursue some of your dreams. But that doesn’t mean your entire life should revolve around your job. The time spent with your loved ones or engaging in activities you like is crucial to maintaining good health. For Dutch people, who value a sense of community, striking a balance between work and personal life is non-negotiable. Workers in the country dedicate more than 60% of their day to leisure activities and personal care. This is easy to achieve because the standard workweek in the Netherlands ranges from 36 to 40 hours. Only 0,4% of employees in the country spend long hours at their job– the rest of the population has clear boundaries regarding their work and personal lives.
The Dutch are known for their flexible work culture, with employees working remotely long before the pandemic. Although there have been concerns regarding productivity levels, it has been concluded that remote work doesn’t make employees any less efficient. This is a great advantage for expats who don’t want to spend the day at the office and would rather work from the comfort of their homes. While the Dutch value productive work, they are also aware of the importance of personal time, so employees get at least 20 free days per year. This time is solely dedicated to relaxation and can be spent doing things that nourish your soul and recharge you. Expats can take advantage of their free time by visiting their families. Suppose you want to travel to the UK; with BB&L car rental, you can save time and money when planning your trip and surprising your loved ones with your visit.
Good work-life balance means reducing stress and ensuring burnout doesn’t kick in when you least expect it. Unfortunately, many employees feel stressed due to work, especially in France and the UK. For the Dutch, however, this is not a problem. Among employees, only 8% feel very stressed because of their job. Is this because of the flexible benefits model in the country? While the benefits offered by their employers definitely play a role in their wellbeing, that doesn’t seem to be the only reason they experience less stress than employees in other countries. Dutch people practice the art of doing nothing, known as Niksen, which plays a huge role in the Netherlands’ ranking as one of the happiest. It’s not that happy people aren’t immune to stress – that’s not quite possible as a human being – but they have built routines to minimize it as much as possible.
Simply put, Niksen is about simply being in the moment without trying to achieve anything. In many cultures, doing nothing is underrated, especially because the human value is tied to their achievements. But considering how burned out workers are, it’s obvious that overworking is never the solution. According to science, unproductive time can make you happier in the long run, helping bring creativity to the surface. Practicing Niksen doesn’t make you lazy – in fact, it enables you to build a healthy work-life balance by carving out time to recharge before you get back to your daily tasks.
The bottom line
Given all the aspects previously mentioned, it’s clear why expats are happy with their working hours and life in the Netherlands. Not only do they get the opportunity to improve their career, but due to the work-life balance, this is a place where they can thrive. They are also paid well for their work, making the country even more appealing for those looking to move in hopes of higher living standards. Overall, life in the Netherlands is satisfying for expats because the country is inclusive and liberal, providing a sense of belonging – which matters greatly when settling in a foreign country.