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Self-employment in the Netherlands – find out the benefits and learn how to get clients

Self-employment in the Netherlands – find out the benefits and learn how to get clients 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

In previous articles, we have explained what rights and obligations are associated with self-employment in the Netherlands and what requirements you need to meet to set up your own business there. Of course, setting up your own business is only the beginning! Your success will be determined by whether you can find your way in the labor market, find customers and build long-term, valuable business relationships with them. In this article, you will find out for whom self-employment is a profitable form of earning and how to find clients, also by developing a reliable and professional image.

For whom is self-employment a worthwhile option?

Self-employment in the Netherlands is primarily a win-win solution for desirable professionals – people who have specialized skills that give them an advantage in the labor market.

Welders, mechanics, electricians – in these professions, thanks to self-employment, you can count on a much higher hourly rate than in an employment contract. In addition, these professions are also in high demand – which simply means that there is a huge need for such specialists, which is not fully covered by the market.

You do not have to be a sales and marketing specialist to work in a profession that is in demand on the job market – but remember that this will also be part of your duties! You must be able to present yourself appropriately to potential customers and negotiate favourable terms of cooperation. Contact with people is an important part of self-employment, and to be successful, you also need to understand people and know how to build business relationships.

This is why soft skills are so important for the self-employed. This includes contact and relationship-building skills with people, but also self-discipline, good organisation and high motivation. Remember – when running your own business, your fate is 100% in your own hands! For some, such responsibility is a fulfilment of a dream; for others, it is a nightmare. Think carefully about which group you belong to!

When working on a self-employed basis in the Netherlands, you will of course need to know a foreign language – preferably Dutch, especially if you plan to work for individual clients. If your clients will mainly be companies – it may be enough to know English, but either way, it is worth being open to learning Dutch.

Also remember that, at least in the beginning, you need to have financial security, for example to cover the costs associated with registering your business in the Netherlands. This is especially important if you don’t yet have a list of clients for whom you will be able to start doing assignments from the moment you set up your business.

How to search for clients and work assignments as a self-employed person in the Netherlands?

One of the biggest challenges for self-employed persons in the Netherlands is finding clients and work assignments. Here are a few ways to look for work as a self-employed person in the Netherlands, including the pros and cons of these solutions:

Create your own website or social media profile. This is a good way to show your professionalism, references and feedback from previous clients. Remember that many employers will check your online presence before hiring you. A professionally run, industry-related social media or website allows you to build your own brand and can give you a significant advantage over competitors who pay less attention to their virtual image.

Using job portals or freelancing platforms. These allow you to easily and quickly search for jobs by category, location, rate, etc. Unfortunately, they are often highly competitive, so principals can often afford slightly lower rates than market averages. In addition, some portals or platforms charge commissions on completed jobs or require fees for registration and the use of additional features.

Dutch self-employed portals worth checking out are:

  • Werkspot.nl – a portal for people who do renovation, construction, gardening or cleaning work. Here you can find adverts from people looking for contractors or add their own offer yourself.
  • Marktplaats.nl – is an advertising portal. Here you can sell or buy various products, but also find jobs or advertise your business.

How to build a good image and reputation as a self-employed person in the Netherlands?

Image is your second biggest advantage in the market, right after the quality of the service you provide.

It’s important that you build trust and loyalty among your clients and colleagues – it very directly affects your income and growth opportunities. Here are some practical tips on how to build a good image and reputation as a self-employed person in the Netherlands:

  • Be a trustworthy partner. Clients hire you because you know your expertise better than they do. This means that you will often be able to advise them on a solution that is better than they originally planned. Having the ability to point out time- or money-saving solutions is one of the most effective ways to build a strong relationship with a client.
  • Be professional and competent. It goes without saying – work diligently, on time and in accordance with the contract. Keep your word and be honest with your clients – remember, it often only takes one time to damage someone else’s trust to completely lose reliability!
  • Don’t promise more than you can deliver! This is a common mistake for the self-employed. Failing to meet the expectations you have assured yourself is the easiest way to spoil the relationship with the client. It is far better to promise less and positively surprise the customer than to promise too much and disappoint them. This doesn’t mean, of course, that you should intentionally under-promise – just take a realistic approach to evaluating what you can offer.
  • If you encounter any problems or delays, communicate them as soon as possible. Clear communication is the key to maintaining good customer relations.
  • Be communicative and open. Remember that you are judged not only by the quality of your work, but also by how pleasant and smooth your communication is. Being polite, friendly and respectful of cultural differences does not take much effort and can make finding clients and assignments much easier.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help if you don’t understand something or need support. Also, be ready to help others if you are able to do so – the ability to collaborate and being open to dialogue are attributes highly sought by employers.
  • Actively develop your skills. Look for information about the labor market in the Netherlands, current trends and demand for your industry. Sign up for seminars, courses or workshops that can improve your skills or broaden your horizons. Show that you are an active and engaged person in your work – it is worth communicating this on your social media or website if you have decided to run it.

Cooperation with the agency

A great way to ensure you have a constant and regular flow of jobs is to work with a recruitment agency – in that case, they take care of finding clients, saving you time and resources, allowing you to focus on your work and what makes you the most money. Ready Steady Go has many job opportunities for professionals in the Netherlands – get in touch and see what we can offer you!

Finding customers does not have to be difficult

Many people do not find themselves working on a self-employed basis and end up returning to full-time work, despite the worse financial prospects that this form of employment offers. In most cases, this is mainly due to their poor preparation and lack of understanding that self-employment requires more than just knowing your craft. This guide has explained to you the most important issues related to succeeding on the Dutch labor market. If you have additional questions – please contact us!

Self-employment in the Netherlands – tax accounting and moving a business from another country

Self-employment in the Netherlands – tax accounting and moving a business from another country 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Working on your own account in the Netherlands offers many potential advantages, such as the chance for higher wages and a presence in a less competitive market than Poland. However, there are some formalities involved, the knowledge of which will make the process of becoming self-employed much easier – especially if you are considering moving your business from Poland. In this guide, you will learn about some of the less obvious law issues that will make the process of becoming self-employed in the Netherlands easier and deciding whether this is a career path that is right for you.

How do I settle my accounts with the Dutch tax authorities as a self-employed person in the Netherlands?

One of the most important aspects of self-employment in the Netherlands is accounting to the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst). Self-employed persons have to submit tax returns every three months (VAT) and every year (income tax).

VAT in the Netherlands is 21% for most goods and services, 9% for certain foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and cultural services and 0% for exports and international services. If you provide services to a Polish company, you need to check whether you are covered by the reverse charge principle, which means that it is the recipient of the service who has to charge and pay VAT in their country.

Income tax in the Netherlands is calculated on the basis of a self-employed person’s net income, after deducting business expenses and any tax reliefs. It is higher than in Poland – 36.93% for income up to €73071 per year and 49.50% for income above this amount.

Costs that can be deducted from income are, for example, the purchase of equipment or developing your own qualifications through training and courses – in other words, anything that is directly related to running and developing your own business.

A self-employed person in the Netherlands is required to issue invoices for his or her services or goods, including the tax identification number (BTW-nummer), the date, the gross and net amount as well as the VAT rate.

Accounting for VAT in the Netherlands can be complicated, so consider using the support of an accountant or tax advisor in the process of setting up your business and accounting for it. You can also get help from the Dutch tax authorities and organisations that support the self-employed in the Netherlands:

– ZZP Nederland – an organisation representing the interests of more than 50,000 self-employed people in the Netherlands. It offers legal advice, insurance, training and networking support to its members.

– FNV Zelfstandigen – a trade union for the self-employed from various industries. It helps to negotiate working conditions and contracts, provides legal assistance and tax advice and organises meetings and seminars for the self-employed.

– PZO – a platform for the self-employed in the service sector. It is dedicated to lobbying for better working and development conditions for the self-employed and offers them information, training and networking opportunities.

Self-employment in the Netherlands – what tax benefits are you entitled to?

Dutch law provides for a number of tax credits and deduction possibilities, depending on a number of individual factors.

For more information, see the Dutch government’s official website on self-employed professionals – Subsidies and tax schemes for self-employed professionals | Business.gov.nl.

However, even with an official government source, finding your way through the maze of tax information can be difficult for a beginning entrepreneur. That is why it is also worth considering the services of a legal advisor or accountant – the consultation will be chargeable, but there is a high chance that it will save you much more than the cost of seeking professional advice and a specialist opinion.

Moving your own company to the Netherlands – is it possible?

Moving a company to the Netherlands can be a beneficial solution for entrepreneurs who want to expand their business in the EU market. Unfortunately, there is no single rule for this and it usually simply requires closing down the business in one country and then registering it in the other – the Netherlands. You can find out what conditions you need to meet to register your business in the Netherlands in our previous article.

When closing a business in your home country and opening one in the Netherlands, it is crucial to meet the legal obligations involved – you must change your tax residence to the Netherlands, which means that from now on you will be subject to Dutch tax legislation and pay your taxes there.

In addition, if the transfer of the company results in an exit from the domestic tax system without the sale of the company’s assets, so-called exit tax on unrealized profits may be charged. Exit tax is income tax on the difference between the market value and the book value of the company’s assets as at the date of the transfer of the registered office.

Apparent self-employment

Apparent self-employment is a situation in which a freelancer in the Netherlands is in fact dependent on one or more principals and does not have full freedom to carry out his or her work – meaning that the formal legal conditions for being self-employed are not met.

This entails a range of negative consequences, such as no social security, no sickness insurance and a lower pension. It also exposes you to tax or administrative sanctions. To avoid apparent self-employment, you need to make sure that you meet the statutory criteria for genuine self-employment – we described these in a previous article.

If you are unsure of your situation, you can use organisations such as FairWork or Belastingdienst, which provide advice and assistance in checking your tax and insurance status.

Self-employment in the Netherlands – what next?

This and the previous article give you key information on the laws and regulations related to self-employment in the Netherlands. In the next article, we will give you some useful tips on how to look for clients and build an expert image, and thus increase your earnings!

Self-employment in the Netherlands – a guide for people wanting to be self-employed

Self-employment in the Netherlands – a guide for people wanting to be self-employed 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

If you dream of working in the Netherlands but don’t want to be dependent on an employer, you can consider the self-employment option. It’s a form of business that gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility to manage your time and finances, offering much broader opportunities for development than a classic job. Being self-employed means taking your destiny into your own hands and taking 100% responsibility for your professional life.

A self-employed person in the Netherlands is referred to by the abbreviation ZPP ‘Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel’, which translated means ‘self-employed person not hiring employees’.

This solution has a range of both pros and potential cons, so it is worth preparing well for this step and considering whether self-employment in the Netherlands is definitely the right solution for you.

This article will help you to assess if you are ready to set up a business, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of self-employment and properly prepare for self-employment in the Netherlands.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-employment in the Netherlands?

The main advantage is of course… making money in euros 😉 Earnings in the Netherlands are significantly higher than in Poland, also in terms of real purchasing power, which means considering the cost of living.

Self-employment allows you to have ‘something of your own’ – develop and build your personal brand, where you have the ability to set your own prices or your own work schedule, and over time, if you are successful, to grow it, for example by hiring additional Employees.

Turning a one-person business into a company is actually a step closer than you may think. If you are a valued professional, the number of assignments will start to exceed your personal time capacity sooner or later – and that means the chance to grow and hire additional Employee(s). By working for someone, you will never have this opportunity!

It also means flexible schedules and working hours – after all, you are now your own boss! You decide for yourself when you have time off and what hours you work.

Of course, self-employment isn’t just about benefits – if it were, everyone would start their own business!

Running your own business requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation. Although you don’t have to worry about being reprimanded by your boss, this doesn’t mean that you are free of obligations! You are directly responsible to your customers – who, like your supervisor, will demand punctuality, personal culture, and a high quality of service. Many people find it much easier to perform their duties when they have a clearly defined schedule and tasks set by their supervisor. It is worth considering whether you can handle yourself under circumstances where your success depends 100% entirely on you.

Self-employment also involves a number of formal requirements and obligations, such as paying taxes, taking care of your insurance and pension. Remember, too, that you are fully responsible under the law for your work, such as for damage caused because of improper workmanship. If you want to know exactly what requirements you have to fulfil when setting up your own business in the Netherlands, you will find out later in this article.

What requirements do you have to meet if you want to work on a self-employed basis in the Netherlands?

Being self-employed in the Netherlands is possible for any European Union citizen who wants to be independent. However, in order to be legally self-employed in the country, several requirements must be met:

  • Possession of a valid ID document.
  • Register as a resident in the Netherlands and receive a BSN number (Burgerservicenummer), which is necessary for contact with the authorities and institutions. To register and obtain a BSN number, you must go to the local municipality of your place of residence.
  • Register your company with the Dutch trade register Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) and obtain a tax identification number (RSIN) and a VAT number (BTW-nummer). You will need these for invoicing and tax accounting.
  • Register your company with the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) and with the UWV – the Social Security Office (cost approximately €50).
  • Choose the form of your business. The most common legal form used by the self-employed is the single-person company (eenmanszaak), which does not require share capital or independent accounting.
  • Have a company account that will be used exclusively for accounting and registering company incomes and expenses.
  • Arrange an income tax and VAT settlement with the tax authorities. Self-employed persons can benefit from various tax reliefs and deductions if they meet certain criteria.
  • Insure yourself in case of illness, incapacity or retirement. There is no obligatory social insurance for the self-employed in the Netherlands, so you have to take care of your financial security yourself. You must also remember to pay income tax and health and pension insurance contributions.
  • Show professional independence (zelfstandigheid). This means that you must not be subordinated to any employer or client, neither must you do exclusive work for one company – Dutch law requires that you perform services for at least three different contractors in a year.
  • Own the work tools, make individual business decisions and take the risks of running the company.
  • Maintain the accounts of a one-person business.
  • Work 1225 hours per year for the business – this includes time spent on training, finding clients or building a website. Meeting this criterion is required if you would like to be able to benefit from entrepreneurs’ tax relief.

How to register a company in the Netherlands?

The registration process begins by arranging an appointment electronically at the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel), at which you must appear with comprehensive information about the business you wish to set up (name, sector of activity, services offered, etc.) and a set of documents. This must be fresh data – no more than one month old.

Kamer van Koophandel will check that the company meets all the legal conditions and that it does not already have the same name in the register. Once the registration is complete, you will receive a KvK number (company registration number) and an RSIN number (company tax number). Registration is chargeable and costs €50.

Everything here is done in Dutch, so if you don’t feel up to it, you should hire an interpreter to accompany you or at least get help from a friend.

Self-employment in the Netherlands – are you ready?

As you can see, self-employment and work on your own in the Netherlands has many benefits that go hand in hand with additional responsibilities and risks. For some, this solution will be a fulfilment of a dream, but many people will be better off with a classic full-time job.

In the following articles, we will explain the opportunities for those wishing to relocate their business to the Netherlands and give practical tips on running a business, finding clients, building a professional image and completing legal and tax formalities.

By bus to the Netherlands. Why choose this transport option?

By bus to the Netherlands. Why choose this transport option? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Destination? The Netherlands!

It happened! You’re planning a trip to the Netherlands. It’s time to choose the best transport option. But not to worry. The good news is that the great popularity of the route Poland – the Netherlands means that you can choose from the offers of many bus operators.

Passenger transport from Poland is extremely popular and Poles are increasingly travelling to the country of tulips and windmills. No wonder that company owners are responding to market demand with a very high frequency of services. So, which means of transport is the best option for a trip to the Netherlands? You will find the answer in the following text.

Transport to the Netherlands: safe, comfortable and increasingly popular

The transport options are truly numerous. You can travel to the Netherlands by plane, private car, train, coach or bus. However, our Employees most often choose the comfortable and relatively cheap option, which is to travel by bus. Why are buses to the Netherlands so popular?

Competitive prices and almost everyday transport

Consider as well the fact that bus operators reach many cities located in the Netherlands almost every single day. So you don’t have to worry if your destination is a less popular place or a small town. You will be driven to your final destination.

In addition, the special discounts offered by our Ready Steady Go agency make this a convenient and relatively cheap transport option.

Saving money not only on the ticket price

When planning your trip to the Netherlands, you also need to consider other aspects of your transport. Remember that travelling by air generates additional baggage costs, which increase the ticket price significantly.

If you travel by bus, you can take up to two suitcases or bags, as well as hand luggage and… basically nothing to worry about. All this is included in the price of your ticket. The buses usually go directly to small towns and cities, which means a great deal of convenience for the traveller. Here you also benefit because you don’t pay extra for any taxis or buses. This is also a huge advantage for people who are going to the Netherlands for the first time and are stressed about possible communication difficulties.

Guaranteed transport from and to the address you specify

You should know that buses to the Netherlands reach all corners of the country, and not just the most popular destinations. A noteworthy feature is the ‘door-to-door’ service, which involves transportation to an address that you specify in advance. This means that you will be picked up by a bus at the indicated place and transported to a specific point of the map in the Netherlands!

This is a great advantage and comfort for travellers. No wonder our Employees usually choose this transport option. Do you want to travel to or from a specific address, but do not have the option of travelling by car? Ask about our door-to-door offer!

For everyone, the comfort of the journey is very important

A bus trip to the Netherlands is a guarantee that you will arrive at your destination on time. So, you don’t have to worry about airport check-in, ordering extra taxis or bus tickets. You already know this. But what if you decide to travel by your own car?

Szukasz pracy bez wykształcenia i znajomości języka?

A może chcesz poznać realia pracy w Holandii
bezpośrednio od pracowników?

Dołącz do naszej grupy na FB!

High fuel costs in the Netherlands

Be aware of the high cost of refuelling in the Netherlands. Currently, petrol prices in the Netherlands are considered to be the highest in the whole of Europe. If you come to the Netherlands in a car equipped with an LPG system, you will also need to remember about the special adapter that will allow you to fill up with gas. However, fuel prices are not everything. You also have to consider the so-called road tax. What is this tax and what costs does it generate?

Road tax in the Netherlands also known as MRB

When you come to the Netherlands with your own car, you need to know that you will have to pay a special tax for it, from which the roads are maintained. Unfortunately, this also includes foreigners who come to the Netherlands. If you are registered outside the Netherlands, this tax does not apply to you for 6 months. Unfortunately, after this time, you are obliged to pay road tax. What costs does the MRB generate?

The amount of tax depends on the weight of the car and its intended use. For example, for a passenger car over two tonnes, you will have to pay over €2,000 per year! Unfortunately, these are not low costs, so consider coming in your own car if you decide to stay in the Netherlands for a long time.

Transport in the Netherlands without a car? You can!

You decide to work in the Netherlands and wonder what if you choose a bus as your mean of transport? No worries. Our employment agency Ready Steady Go supports all Employees in this matter. Know that if your workplace is more than 15 kilometres away, you are entitled to commute to work in a company car. Driving a long distance to work is therefore not a problem.

A popular mean of transport in the Netherlands is of course also the bicycle. Know that our employees have Dutch and electric bicycles at their disposal, depending on your needs. You can use them not only for commuting to work, but also in your free time. For more information, see this article.

You can also become a company car driver

If you feel very good behind the wheel, you can become a company car driver and drive other Employees to work. Know that you are then entitled to an additional work bonus for the driver. You also do not cover petrol costs. When you receive the keys to your car, you receive a card that you use to pay for fuel and a car wash.

In turn, if you decide to use our accommodation, you will additionally receive a bicycle, which is a convenient, fast and safe form of transport in the Netherlands.

Buses to the Netherlands – economical and comfortable travelling

You already know that the option of travelling by bus is not only cheap, but also… comfortable! When planning a trip to the Netherlands, it’s a good idea to find out what facilities a particular employment agency offers. Our Employees can be provided with a bicycle and, if necessary, a company car. Importantly, we also pay for fuel and a car wash. While choosing an employment agency, pay attention to any benefits it offers its Employees.

Do you have any other questions about going to work in the Netherlands for the first time? Follow our blog or contact us in a private message.

How high will your pension be after years of working in the Netherlands? Check it out!

How high will your pension be after years of working in the Netherlands? Check it out! 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Contributions, pension insurance and… a lot of questions. Dutch pension is a topic that certainly interests all Poles who have decided to emigrate for work in the Netherlands. Are you living and working in the Netherlands and wondering if and when you are entitled to a Dutch pension? Or maybe you are just considering going to work in the Netherlands and this is where you are linking your future to? What should you do before the age of the retirement?

You will find all the answers to the above topics in this article!

Pension in the Netherlands – everything you need to know

First of all, it is worth noting the fact that the Dutch pension system is one of the best and most developed in the world. Retirement in the Netherlands is therefore granted under slightly different rules from those in our country. Before reaching retirement age, you must go to a specific office to apply for a Dutch pension.

However… what is worth knowing as a first step?

The pension. The Netherlands has 3 basic pillars

There are 3 pillars that make up the Dutch pension. These include:
  1. Basic pension (AOW for short)
  2. Employee pension plans
  3. Individual pension programs

A pension in the Netherlands is possible for Poles after working a certain amount of time. However, due to EU regulations, it is possible to add general work experience to pension calculations. Step by step, we will describe all aspects of the Dutch pension for Poles. Let’s start by describing the three pillars that make up the pension in the Netherlands.

AOW pension entitlement

Algemene Ouderdomswet is otherwise known as the Dutch basic pension (AOW). This pillar covers all persons living in the Netherlands who reach retirement age. It is a type of social pension, and it doesn’t matter at all whether you worked or raised a child while living in the Netherlands. This pillar is available to all residents of the Netherlands.

What is important, the AOW pension also covers all those who have only lived and worked in the Netherlands for a while. Surely this topic will interest you if you have already been working in the Netherlands for some time or are just considering working there.

Every legally employed person in the Netherlands pays social insurance contributions. Part of this is pension insurance, which is paid from the time you reach retirement age, no matter where you will be in your retirement. Usually, you must be employed (insured) in the Netherlands for a least one year to qualify for a Dutch basic pension (AOW).

Are you curious about how your Dutch salary is structured? You can find this information in the salarisspecificatie, or Dutch salary slip. There you will find information about whether a pension benefit has been paid on your salary. Be aware that it is charged after you have worked 26 weeks. We wrote about how to read the Dutch payslip here.

Szukasz pracy bez wykształcenia i znajomości języka?

A może chcesz poznać realia pracy w Holandii
bezpośrednio od pracowników?

Dołącz do naszej grupy na FB!

Employee pension programs – what are they?

The second pillar of the Dutch pension includes so-called Employee pension programs. This is a plan that only contributors are entitled to. You should know that they are extremely popular in the Netherlands, with as many as 90% of Dutch people taking advantage of them.

Individual pension programs are especially dedicated to entrepreneurs

The last pillar is individual pension programs, which are directed to people who cannot take advantage of Employee pension plans. These are mainly businessmen, which are self-employed people.

How many years do I have to work to be entitled to a pension in the Netherlands?

OK. You already know the three pillars that comprise the pension system in the Netherlands. So, let’s move on to the details. You are probably wondering after how many years of work in the Netherlands, you are entitled to any pension. The best way to illustrate this is to use specific examples.

Calculating the AOW pension

During the calculation of the AOW basic pension, you always take into account the last 50 years of work. It is worth knowing that for each year worked in the Netherlands, you are granted 2% of the full pension benefit. So, after 5 years of work in the Netherlands, we are entitled to 10% of the pension value.

What is the retirement age in the Netherlands?

Currently, the Dutch retirement age is 66 years and 7 months. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the retirement age will gradually increase as life expectancy increases.

What is the AOW base pension amount?

You can find the exact and most up-to-date totals on the website of the Dutch Sociale Verzekeringsbank, that is, the social insurance bank. As of July 2022, the AOW pension amounts are:

The AOW pension in July 2022 is:

  • 1261 euros per month plus holiday allowance for a single person;
  • 864 euros per month plus holiday allowance for a person in a relationship.

Does work in the Netherlands count towards a pension in your country?

Of course, if your country belongs to the European Union, both countries have EU coordination of pension systems. This means, therefore, that work in the Netherlands can, in many cases, count as part of a pension in your own country.

Are you interested in this article? Check out our current job offers.

Work abroad during Christmas. Why is it worth it?

Work abroad during Christmas. Why is it worth it? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Christmas time is a special time for many Poles. The aroma of Christmas cakes, the resinous scent of a live Christmas tree and the scent of cinnamon wafting throughout the house. However, there are some people who would prefer to escape the festive chaos during the holidays. Perhaps one tempting option would be to work abroad for Christmas?

How about… going to work during Christmas?

In Poland, Christmas is probably one of the most important holidays of the whole year. It is accepted that this time is obligatory to spend with loved ones. With parents, uncles or cousins. The pressure to spend this time with the family is so great that it is impossible to deny the obligation to fulfil the annual ritual with the family. Well. Most of us adopt a conformist attitude, conforming to the encouragement of those around us and… the prevailing tradition. One way to break this obligation, may be to take a seasonal job abroad. Sounds absurd? It turns out that more and more people are taking this step.

An option for singles (and not only)

The Christmas table is also famous for difficult questions from the family. Not everyone likes them, in fact most of us don’t. What if our festivities don’t necessarily look like the ones from American family movies? We can consider going abroad. This is a good option if we don’t have children or if we are single and don’t have the smallest desire for another lonely Christmas. Couples also usually decide to take such a step. They want to spend Christmas in a different way, to explore the Christmas atmosphere of other European cities or simply… to earn good money.

While some people are partying, others are making good money

Of course, the greater part of Polonia living and working abroad decide to return home on festive holidays. This includes both permanent and temporary workers. This is the moment when there is plenty of work during holidays abroad and there is a major lack of Employees. A person who is considering an unconventional trip “across the border” can gain a lot in such a situation. Not surprisingly, there are more and more people willing to work during holidays whether it is Christmas or Easter. It is also worth mentioning that those who undertake work on a holiday are entitled to an additional day off and it must be taken during the settlement period.

What if it is not possible to use the extra day off during the settlement period? Then we can count on an extra for every hour worked on a day of the festivity. What is important, it should be as much as the salary bonus that is paid for overtime work.

Santa’s factory is working at a maximum capacity

The Christmas vacation period is a time of vacations and trips to the home country on the one hand, and a time of increased work in factories and workplaces on the other. Christmas is a period in the Netherlands where almost every industry is working at top speed. Work can easily be found in almost every industry, as the demand for Employees is huge. Broadly defined services are highly popular, and it is easy to find a job in transportation, agriculture and livestock or property protection, among others.

A day off? There are industries that cannot afford it

Especially noteworthy is the so-called continuous work. This is a specific type of work that, for important reasons, must be carried out continuously, which means in a continuous mode. This means that work should be carried out continuously for 24 hours a day, taking into account Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and days that are public holidays. Of course, this system also considers work on festive holidays.

The continuous work system applies to two situations:

  1. Due to the production technologies used.
  2. Because of the social utility.

The use of continuous work motion in companies is reasonable if machines have to work continuously for technological or economic reasons. Also, it is justified, considering the so-called social utility.

Such work cannot be interrupted for reasons of social usefulness and the interruption of work could cause huge inconvenience to a large group of people, for example, the daily needs of the population potentially could be unsatisfied. We can mention here, as an example, the work of guarding property, protecting people, the transportation industry or agricultural and livestock work.

Not much time, a lot of work and even… more cash

Working during the holidays is worthwhile for at least several reasons. One of them is the high salaries. They are the main temptation for those going to the Netherlands during Christmas. A seasonal worker in just two weeks is able to earn a very attractive and rewarding amount. This is an extremely important aspect, especially in an era of galloping inflation and all-time high prices. Importantly, prices in Netherlands stores are comparable to those in Poland. Therefore, we can return to the country after Christmas with a large boost of money.

The extras also count

When taking up work during holidays, we can also count on many bonuses. Work is in high demand, so you will be charged better overtime rates, as well as an allowance for working on a holiday or days off. In addition, a good employment agency can provide you with well-equipped accommodation, and you don’t have to bring extra bedding, cutlery or dishes with you.

When working with a recruitment agency, you also don’t have to worry about the transport to work, and if you have to commute more than 15 kilometres, you are entitled to use a company car.

Where can I find work during the festive period in the Netherlands?

It is very easy to find a job during the holiday season, and the demand for workers is huge. It is really simple to find work in production even without knowledge of the Dutch language (usually the basics of English are enough).

Why else should you consider working during the Christmas holidays?

A trip to the Netherlands at Christmas time is an opportunity to visit the beautifully decorated Dutch streets and learn about the traditions that are in use in another country. The Dutch people attach great importance to the Christmas trees. You can see them in front of almost every house. Kerstboomverbranding is a festive tradition from the Netherlands that is unfamiliar to Poles. It is based on the burning of already somewhat dried-out Christmas trees in places marked by the municipality. It is worth mentioning that many locals take part in this ritual. Christmas looks a little more modest in the Netherlands than in Poland. The Netherlands is famous for its moderation, and Christmas is treated more as a family holiday than a religious one.

Working in the Netherlands with accommodation. What type of housing does the employment agency offer?

Working in the Netherlands with accommodation. What type of housing does the employment agency offer? 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

One of the advantages of using an employment agency in the Netherlands is that you can live in the staff accommodation. This solution has its benefits and drawbacks – get to know them all before you go to the Netherlands.

The property market in the Netherlands

Organizing a work-related trip to the Netherlands is not only about finding a suitable job offer (you can read about how to do this in the article Do not be surprised – what should you look out for in job offers?). You also need to take care of your accommodation. The best one will be the one located in close distance to the workplace and shops where you will be able to buy the most necessary products.

Wishing is one thing, reality is another. The property market in the Netherlands does not leave renters with many options. Due to the high population density and the huge interest in rental properties, both flats and houses are disappearing from the market with lightning speed, and rental prices are often above the means of people who have just come to work in the Netherlands.

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Accommodation on your own

If you want to rent accommodation by yourself, you will need to spend a lot of time and energy finding suitable accommodation, as well as getting along with the landlord – this can be difficult without a communicative knowledge of Dutch or English. A deposit will also be necessary, so as a renter you need to have money set aside to pay it. You can’t forget about equipment – many of the accommodation units are furnished, but not all of them have cups, plates, cutlery or even a duvet and pillow. We wrote more about this in the article How to rent a private flat in the Netherlands? You can also check the list of Dutch websites with rental advertisements.

If you are interested in working for a holiday abroad or are only planning to stay in the Netherlands for a few months, you have to be aware of the limited possibilities for private renting. Many landlords do not want to rent flats for only a few weeks – they prefer tenants who will stay in the country for the long-term.

Accommodation with an employment agency in the Netherlands

When you choose job offers from the READY STEADY GO agency, you also have the opportunity to take advantage of living in the staff accommodation. The agency provides you with fully equipped accommodation, so you don’t have to bring bedding, glasses or cutlery with you. That means you will save space in your luggage, which you can use to take more necessary things with you.

Internet and fridge

Wireless internet is also available in the accommodation, so you do not have to arrange it yourself and pay additional fees. As a tenant, you have the option of using a shared fridge. However, please note that there is limited space in the fridge for each resident, so you should opt for dry food that does not have to be kept cold. We wrote about this in the article What to take on a trip abroad for work?

SNF certificate

As a plus, all accommodation offered by the READY STEADY GO agency is SNF-certified by the Association for the Regulation of Temporary Workers’ Accommodation. This certificate confirms that the conditions of the housing units comply with health, safety and fire standards and that the accommodation is adequately equipped and meets standards for sanitary facilities, privacy and living space.

Accommodation under the watchful eye of a caretaker

To ensure that all tenants can live comfortably and do not have to stress about breakdowns or other problems, the day-to-day running of the accommodation is supervised by a caretaker. The caretaker is responsible for keeping order, providing assistance in difficult situations and dealing directly with residents. You can contact the caretaker by phone – the number is on the notice board at your location.

This is the right person to speak to if you find your accommodation messy or lacking in equipment when you arrive. Report this and the caretaker will take care of hiring a cleaning company at the previous resident’s or agency’s expense, as well as restocking the necessary items.

QR code of the location

In case of a breakdown or emergency, you can quickly contact the location caretaker. In each accommodation, on the notice board, there is a QR code which you can simply scan with your mobile phone to quickly send a breakdown report to the technical department. You can also email or call the caretaker in an emergency.

Charges taken out of your salary

There is, of course, a fee associated with accommodation in agency lodging. This will be charged from your salary on a weekly basis and is set at €99.50 per week. Therefore, you do not have to worry about whether you will have enough money to pay the rent – the agency will make sure that you earn enough to be able to pay for your accommodation and keep yourself comfortable.

Work, the Netherlands, accommodation – what is worth remembering?

Just like job offers, staff accommodation may not match your requirements. To avoid disappointment, you need to keep in mind that employment agencies hire many workers, so not all locations may be the same.

In addition, the employment agency usually does not have much choice and underleases everything they can. Moreover, the owners of the locations, the neighbours and even the municipalities, do not want to rent the properties to agencies that will place the temporary workers there. They fear increase in theft, noise, disturbance of the night-time and mess.

A problem with your neighbours

If your neighbours are causing you any trouble, you can try to smooth things over yourself – your knowledge of English will be useful for this. However, sometimes it is better to ask for help from a caretaker and to think about what you can do to improve relations with your neighbours. For example, maybe playing music more quietly would be enough?

Constructive feedback is welcome

Remember that you can always give the housing supervisor your feedback on the accommodation. This is valuable information for agency staff who collect reports on how the standard of the accommodation is perceived by their tenants.

Working in the Netherlands with accommodation – is it a good option?

It depends on your expectations. Many Employees decline the opportunity to live in the staff accommodation, hoping to find better accommodation on their own for a lower rate. In practice, it is not easy to find accommodation independently, so, at least at the beginning, using accommodation from an agency is an attractive solution.

Remember that going to the Netherlands to work involves a lot of formalities, such as getting a BSN number, setting up a foreign currency account at a bank, learning how to use a Revolut account or gathering the required documents. Is it worth the effort to look for accommodation on your own? You will have to answer this question yourself.

Work for couples – the Netherlands not only for singles

Work for couples – the Netherlands not only for singles 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

Thinking of going to work in the Netherlands, but don’t want to leave your other half in the country? You don’t have to – you can find attractive job opportunities for couples in the Netherlands, allowing you to start a new life with your loved one in one of Europe’s most picturesque countries.

Pros and cons of working in the Netherlands for couples

Job opportunities in the Netherlands await anyone who is ready and motivated to work – there is no exaggeration in this statement. Whether you are a middle-aged single person, a recent high school graduate or a mother who needs to support her family, there is a job for you. Couples can also apply for attractive jobs and working abroad does not necessarily have to involve breaking up.

Couples have no problem finding work in the Netherlands, and by using our agency, they can count on a guarantee of shared accommodation. There is also the chance of finding work for couples in the same company, but this is not guaranteed. This is something to think about carefully – living and working together is not always good for a relationship, as each of us needs some personal space. Dutch employers are well aware of this and are not always in favour of placing couples in the same position.

Work in the same company – is it always a good solution?

Every company has both men and women working for it, but not all companies allow both sexes to do the same job. In many places, men are assigned to heavier work than women, mainly due to genetic predisposition, they tend to be stronger and the work, e.g., carrying heavy things, is safer for them than for women.

Job offers tailored to the lower skilled person

A job abroad, like a job in Poland or any other country, involves meeting the employer’s expectations not only in terms of physical fitness and manual skills, but also experience and knowledge of a foreign language – Dutch or English. If you want to work together, you have to reckon that the job will be matched to the one of you who is less qualified, which means that the potential of the one who is better at speaking a foreign language or has more experience will not be realised.

As we wrote in the article Well-paid jobs without education in the Netherlands, those who communicate in English or Dutch can count on a higher gross wage paid in euros. We therefore recommend our Employees to choose jobs that match their skills and competences in order to make the most of the potential of both of you. It is not only a question of job satisfaction, but also of achieving higher salaries.

Disrupted work-life balance

In the Netherlands, the so-called work-life balance, i.e., maintaining a balance between private and professional life, plays a huge role. In the case of couples who work in the same company, it is difficult to maintain this balance because the people are with each other non-stop – both at work and at home.

Employers solve this problem by splitting couples between departments – this is particularly common in manufacturing companies, where different teams are formed with responsibility for, for example, production, labelling, distribution, picking, etc. In this way, not only can the potential of the Employee be used, but also potential conflicts can be prevented.

Bringing private life to work

This is one of the biggest concerns for employers when hiring couples. Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship and cannot be avoided. In the case of couples working in the same place, there is the problem of transferring these conflicts to the workplace, which affects the efficiency and productivity of the Employees, as well as the general poorer atmosphere that can be given to the whole shift. Working together is also a risk of wanting to take leave at the same time, which generates staffing problems for the employer.

An additional factor that may discourage employers from hiring couples is the problem of potential separation. In this situation, Employees most often do not want to work together, they do not even want to see each other, which generates further problems. This is another reason why employers are less favourable to employing couples in the same department.

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Working for one company, but in different departments 

As an employment agency, it is not uncommon for us to look for Employees to work for one company in several departments at the same time. So you may find that although you both find employment in the same company, you actually end up in different departments – which usually turns out to be the best compromise for couples who want to work together. This often means working at different hours and taking different breaks, but these apparent inconveniences can actually benefit your relationship and help it to blossom – we all need some time to ourselves, and a bit of separation is often the most effective way to rekindle the feeling between two people in love.

Commuting to work at different times can also prove to be a problem, but this inconvenience can be solved by the READY STEADY GO placement agency – the carers organise the journey from your accommodation to the workplace. You will receive a bicycle from the agency, which you can use not only for commuting to and from work, but also at weekends, during excursions in your free time. It can also be a car – in the case of companies that are far from your place of residence. One thing is certain – the issue of commuting is not a problem, even if you work for the same company but at different hours.

Couples not always welcomed by employers

The Netherlands is an open country for labour migrants and Dutch employers are keen to take on Poles for work. As a rule, a communicative knowledge of English and a willingness to work are sufficient to gain employment in the Netherlands.

Working together in the light go psychology

It turns out that the problems perceived by employers are not alien to scientists either. Psychologists point out that working for the same company can bond a relationship to the same extent as it affects it negatively.

Individual circumstances

This is an individual issue, consisting of the nature of both partners, their lifestyles and work, and how much energy they are able to put into their home and work lives. The preferred style of coping with stress (task-focused, emotion-focused or avoidance-focused, according to the classification of J. Parker and N. Endler) and the way conflicts are resolved.

Working together or separately?

Whether you will do well working together in one company is largely up to you. However, unless you are 100% sure that this situation will only affect you positively, it is safer to choose to work for different companies.

You will spend some hours without your other half, so you will gain new opportunities and have an easier time maintaining your work-life balance. At work, you will also not be seen through the prism of your other half, which sometimes also has good points.

Job offers in the Netherlands for couples – employment agency or search on your own?

Travel with the help of an employment agency in the Netherlands

READY STEADY GO agency makes it possible for couples to leave together but does not guarantee work in one company and in one department. Certainly, couples can count on accommodation in one double room. So you don’t have to worry about being located in different places and having difficulties with contact.

What’s more, even if one of you loses his or her job, the agency will quickly find new employment, so you won’t run into financial problems. You also don’t have to worry about housing bills – the costs are deducted automatically from your paycheck, without you having to deal with the formalities yourself.

Organizing the travel on your own

You can also organise a couples’ trip on your own, but this is usually more of a risk. Firstly, it can be difficult to find job opportunities in one area for two people. Secondly, there is a greater risk of one person losing his or her job and having difficulty finding further employment. So, there may be a problem with liquidity and the ability to pay for accommodation, insurance or other living expenses.

Secure work in the Netherlands for couples

If you don’t want to worry about shared accommodation or guaranteed employment, a safer option is to go with the help of the READY STEADY GO recruitment agency. All the information you need for your trip is provided by the recruiters, and on our blog you will find practical advice on what to take with you when you go abroad to work, how to look for jobs in the Netherlands (not only for couples) and through which employment agency it is best to go to the Netherlands.

Work for couples in the Netherlands – is it worth it?

This question cannot be answered unequivocally. One thing is certain – if the Netherlands is the country you want to work in, you will find the right job offer for you. Find out how life in the Netherlands differs from life in Poland, how to write a CV and choose the right job offer. It’s quite simple, isn’t it?

Public holidays and non-working days in the Netherlands

Public holidays and non-working days in the Netherlands 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

In every country, including the Netherlands, there are public holidays on which most Employees have time off work while retaining their right to pay. Before you plan your holidays, check when Dutch public holidays occur!

Public holidays, but not always by law

There are few public holidays in the Netherlands – just nine. However, these are not days off by law; in the Netherlands, these are regulated by a collective agreement or contract. Therefore, if you want to find out whether one of the popular holidays in the country will be a public holiday for you, you will need to refer to your applicable contract or company rules.

Payment for work on days off

For public holidays, the Employee retains the right to be paid. However, if your work schedule shows that you will be working on that day, you are entitled to an allowance. Its amount depends on the employer, generally between 50% and 100%.

It may therefore happen that you will have one of the public holidays free, e.g. on 25 December, which is the first day of Christmas, but you will have to spend the second day of Christmas at work. It all depends on your employer.

Number of days off in Poland

For Poles who go to work in large numbers in the Netherlands, such a small number of days off may seem inadequate. In Poland, Employees can enjoy 13 days off, which are established by law. If you are interested in this topic, read the article Life in the Netherlands – how does it differ from life in Poland?

Holidays in the Netherlands in 2022

As in other countries, several holidays are fixed and scheduled for a specific day of the year, and a few are movable holidays. The calendar of public holidays and days off in the Netherlands in 2022 is as follows:

  1. 1 January is New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaar),
  2. 17 April – Easter (Pasen),
  3. 18 April – Easter Monday (Pasen),
  4. 27 April – the most important public holiday in the Netherlands, King’s Day (Koningsdag),
  5. 26 May – Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag),
  6. 5 June – Pentecost (Eerste Pinkstersdag),
  7. 6 June is Pentecost Monday (Tweede Pinkstersdag),
  8. 25 December – the first day of Christmas (Eerste Kerstdag),
  9. 26 December – the second day of Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag).

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag), celebrated on 5 May 2022, is also a very important day in the Netherlands. Liberation Day is a public holiday for Government Employees, but many employers give their Employees time off on this day once every five years. In this way, they commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

Good Friday

Employees extend their public holidays to Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag), the commemoration of Christ’s death on the Cross, the second day of the Paschal Triduum. Although it is not a public holiday, many employers grant leave on this day at the request of the Employee without problems.

Additional holidays and days off

There are, of course, many more Dutch holidays, but usually their celebrations do not involve a public holiday. The list includes:

  • Valentine’s Day (Valentijnsdag), celebrated on 14 February,
  • Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) on 4 May,
  • Mother’s Day (Moederdag) – 8 May,
  • Father’s Day (Vaderdag) – 19 June,
  • All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) – 1 November,
  • St. Nicholas’ Day (Sinterklaas) – 5 December,
  • Christmas Eve (Kerstavond) – 24 December,
  • New Year’s Eve (Oudejaarsavond) – 31 December

King’s Day (Koningsdag) – the most important public holiday in the Netherlands

No other public holiday – not Christmas, New Year’s Day or even Liberation Day – is as lavishly celebrated as King’s Day. For the Dutch, it is the most important public holiday of the year and not only a day off work, but also a time of great joy and unbridled fete.

A holiday since 2014

The Dutch have celebrated King’s Day since 2014, when Willem Alexander, the current monarch, took the throne. Previously, that is until 2013, this holiday fell on 30 April and was Queen’s Day – the then reigning Queen Beatrix.

King’s Day celebrations

Contrary to appearances, King’s Day is not celebrated with pathos, but instead takes the form of casual fun. On this day, the Dutch come out in the streets dressed in orange and celebrate their monarch’s birthday with music, dancing and fun. Adults drink the popular Dutch beer and there are competitions, games and activities for children. The flea markets, where literally anyone can sell whatever they want and for how much they want, are a characteristic feature of the day.

So, if you are going to work in the Netherlands and are wondering what to take on your trip, don’t forget your orange clothes! You can of course buy them locally too.

What if the employer does not provide a day off?

The holidays listed above in the Netherlands do not have to be days off. If Employees do not have to report to work, it is usually because this is stated in the applicable collective agreement (rules and regulations) or the provisions of the individual contract. Therefore, if one of these documents does not stipulate that a certain day is to be a day off and the employer does not agree to you taking a holiday on that day, you must report to work. This is not usually a sign of discrimination, intolerance or bullying. You can read about when these occur in the article How do you prove bullying at work?

How do you plan a holiday in the Netherlands?

By knowing which holidays in the Netherlands are the most common days off, you can easily organise your holiday so that you have a few days to relax. Simply take the days off that fall immediately before or after the holidays that are free from work.

Behind the scenes – flex Worker in the Netherlands. Job not only for the undecided

Behind the scenes – flex Worker in the Netherlands. Job not only for the undecided 1000 1000 ReadySteadyGo

You want to go to work in the Netherlands, so you search the resources of the Internet for a specific job offer. This is a good way, but not the only way. The employment agency is also looking for Employees who are determined to go, but don’t want to tie themselves to one company right away. Find out who a Flexible Worker is and what their daily work is like.

Who is a flex Worker?

The reality of Dutch companies is similar to the reality of companies around the world. Many employers are looking for seasonal Workers for the period when work is most intense, but some also need personnel to perform non-demanding jobs or as replacements, such as during the illness of someone who works there permanently. Employers’ need to replenish their workforce has become an opportunity for Workers from READY STEADY GO agency.

This opportunity is being seized by the flexible Workers. Who is a flex Worker? As the name suggests (flexible), it is an Employee who works for several companies. Such a person, therefore, does not travel for any particular job offer, but tries to work in multiple positions with several employers. A flex worker is therefore a flexible Worker, i.e. one who can work in a different place every day.

Who can become a flexible Worker?

Working as a flex Worker is not easy, but almost anyone can do it. Almost, because in order to do the job well, you have to be prepared to work under a variety of conditions. The only requirement, therefore, is that you do not have any contraindications to work, e.g. in low temperatures, field work, in a cold store, greenhouse, or in meat or fish processing.

A flex Worker needs to be flexible – they should be able to adapt to changing working conditions and be open to broadening their professional horizons. Those who are looking for stability and like to make plans for days ahead will not do well in this job – for the flex Worker, change is something that accompanies him or her non-stop.

The pros of being a flex Worker

Are there any perks at all to having such an attitude towards change? Definitely yes!

Learn about the specifics of working in companies across a wide range of industries

Would you like to try a job in gardening, but don’t know if you can handle it? Or are you more interested in a position as a production Worker, but are worried about whether you can handle the responsibilities? Working as a flex Worker will allow you to see which companies and which industry you feel most comfortable in. With READY STEADY GO you have the chance to test yourself mainly in gardening, logistics and production, i.e. in sectors where there is usually the most demand for seasonal workers.

By working for several companies, you will see for yourself the difference between being part of a team on one production line in a gardening company and working on a line in a food production company. As you certainly know from your own experience, the same position in different companies may require you to have different skills, and as a flex Worker you will quickly see which job you are best suited for.

Flexible job for young people

Becoming a flex Worker is a good alternative for young people who are going to work abroad in the Netherlands for the first time or who are taking their first job in life. If you too are such an Employee, you know how difficult it is to choose the right job with doubts about your own career preferences. Anyone who doesn’t know what job they’d be best suited for can find out for themselves by choosing to work as a flex Worker. It’s also a chance to find out what industry is worth looking at for your next seasonal or summer job.

Flexible work = higher wages

Being a flexible Worker is often associated with the possibility of earning more than when working in a specific position for a long time. Such Employees are desired by employers who need to staff a large number of tasks at a given time. A flex worker may therefore work in companies where overtime is currently required. More work means more pay, and after all, that is why you go to work in the Netherlands, right?

Possibility to change job quickly

The flexibility of Flexible Workers allows coordinators from the employment agencies to plan work for them in an efficient way. This means that such an Employee can more easily be scheduled to work for a different company each day. So you can change jobs quickly – if you don’t like the position you are occupying, just report it to your supervisor and he or she will find another job for you in no time.

In the case of Employees who leave for a specific job offer, such a change is not easy. The employment agency must first find an Employee to replace the person who wants to change jobs, and only then can transfer them to another company.

You don’t have to be a flex Worker all the time!

If you start your work in the Netherlands as a flex Worker, this does not mean that you will work in this way for the entire duration of your stay in the country. When you are committed to your job, you perform your duties conscientiously, the position suits you and the employer needs someone for a longer period of time, you can find permanent employment after just two or three weeks.

All you need to do is show your employer a good side and ‘score’. You will have a better chance of finding a permanent job if you have experience, perform your duties well and communicate in English. It’s a chance for a higher hourly rate and therefore higher wages, which you will achieve by working without overtime.

Short-term work opportunity

If you want to go to work in the Netherlands for a short period of time, i.e. less than three months, working as a flex Worker may be the only option for you. Dutch employers are often looking for Employees for a whole season. This involves training and introduction, and from an economic point of view, it is better to train one person for three months of work than many Employees who will work for several weeks at a time.

A page from the flex Worker’s calendar

As a flexible Worker, you must be prepared to work in a different place every day. It is therefore your responsibility to check your work schedule every day, which you will find in the agency application in the schedule area. There you will find where you will be working the next day. You will be given the name and full address of the company and told where and to whom you should report. You will also find out whether you should get there by bike or by car, and if the latter, whether you will be the driver or just a passenger.

When you arrive at the company, you report to the person who is your coordinator that day. He or she will give you the most important information about your tasks today and introduce you to your duties.

Be prepared for everything

Working in changing conditions means that you need to be well prepared for your various duties. Metal-toed work boots are required in almost every company, so have always them with you. You never know whether you’ll be working in the cold on a given day, so it’s a good idea to have thermal underwear with you; in this situation, a jacket or fleece will certainly be provided by the company. Remember also that you can purchase a welcome kit from our office.

What does it mean that you are on reserve?

Have you looked at your schedule and it says you are on reserve? This means you have no work scheduled for that day. But don’t worry because this situation can change at any time. So be prepared to leave – make sure you bring sandwiches, something to drink and warm work clothes, gloves and a hat. That way, when your work assignment is announced, you’ll be able to set off quickly.

How much does a flex Worker earn?

Working for many companies means confusion when it comes to accounting for salary. However, you do not need to fear. As an Employment Agency Worker, you will receive no less than the guaranteed rate, which is € 11.52/hour. However, this does not mean that you cannot earn more! In many companies, the rates offered are higher than the guaranteed rate, in which case you will be paid in accordance with the company’s collective agreement, the so-called CAO. If you are not yet 20 years old, you may still have age-rate in some companies – this also has to be taken into account.

Is it worth it or not? That is the question!

It is definitely worth it! Working as a flex Worker will give you plenty of opportunities to grow and find a position where you perform best. This, in turn, will make you enjoy going to work, and on top of that, you will earn more and get the chance to grow professionally or secure a permanent job for a few more seasons.