The Dutch Advantage in US Employee Retention
The Dutch are well known for their work / life balance. It makes for happier and more productive employees AND can be used as a way to attract and retain US talent!
How much vacation do employees get?
The Netherlands: Dutch law mandates at least 20 vacation days per year (based on a 40 hour work week), but most employees receive between 25-30 days.
United States: There’s no federal requirement for paid vacation. On average, U.S. workers get around 12 days off annually, plus at least 5 national holidays.
Did you know that according to Pew Research, the U.S. is the only advanced economy without a national paid vacation policy. In Europe paid leave is guaranteed by law.
Why do people take vacation?
For Dutch employees, vacation is about recharging, spending time with family, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My American clients are often surprised when they receive an Out of Office message saying:
"I am on vacation for 3 weeks and will respond to your email when I return. If your matter requires immediate attention..."
To many Americans, this is almost unheard of! Americans often see time off as a privilege rather than a necessity, feeling pressure to stay available even when on vacation. Many check and respond to emails daily, worried about falling behind or seeming less committed to their job. And three weeks away from the office? American companies tend to frown upon taking vacation for more than two consecutive weeks!
Unused Vacation Days – A Surprising Similarity
Research* shows that 43.5% of Dutch workers and 46% of American workers don’t use all their vacation days. Surprising similarity, right? I usually highlight cultural differences—because that’s where you can make an impact! And there is one here too: the reasons behind not taking all those days off vary:
Dutch employees may hold onto days to save up for longer holidays (a 3 month trip!) or simply because their entitlement is so generous.
American employees often skip vacation due to workload concerns, job security fears, or the perception that taking time off is frowned upon.
*Sources: iamexpat.nl, pewresearch.org
What does this mean for Dutch Entrepreneurs in the USA?
Employee retention strategy!
My U.S.-based clients often tell me that their Dutch approach to work-life balance is a major factor in employee retention. Americans value this mindset and may even turn down a higher-paying offer from a competitor to stay and enjoy the Dutch work-life balance.
Here’s how you can leverage Dutch work/life balance in your US offices:
Encourage Time Off: Proactively support employees in taking vacation without guilt. It leads to happier, more productive teams. Set a good example, take time off and keep the check ins to an absolute minimum.
Address Concerns: Reduce hesitation around taking leave by having open conversations about job security and workload management, as well as the importance of taking time off and recharging.
Offer Flexible Policies: Consider allowing employees to carry over days or providing additional paid leave options to align with Dutch practices.
By recognizing these cultural nuances, you can foster a healthier, more engaged, and loyal workforce in the U.S. – and boost your company’s success along the way.
Workshop: Doing business with Americans - the Key to Success!
*Want to improve communication with your American business partners, clients, and employees?
*Curious if Americans are really fake—and how to respond?
*Ready to boost your success in the U.S. market?
Join the workshop Doing Business with Americans – Successfully on April 2, 2025, in Zeist.
More info and registration here!
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Join an open registration in person workshop “Doing business with Americans, successfully!”, where you will learn what your American business partner values, when and how to adapt your communication and management style, and walk away with a personal action plan to boost your US business success! Only 5 participants per workshop to keep the session interactive. Join the workhop on April 2 205 in Zeist, or join the waiting list and you will be the first to know when the next workshop will be delivered in Zeist, the Netherlands.
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Hi, my name is Annette. For over 10 years, I have helped Fortune 500 companies, scale-ups and individuals understand the intricacies and advantages of communicating across cultures, turning cultural differences and similarities into competitive advantages.
Let me help you prepare for your interactions with American partners and clients, and improve Dutch-American collaboration. Simply r schedule a free 30-minute assessment here.