First day at work in the Netherlands: arrival & etiquette

Published May 16, 2026·Updated May 26, 2026

Transcript

Read along, Dutch & English, side by side

Did you know that many people hardly ask questions on their first day at work?

It's true, and that's when things go wrong.

The biggest problem is often: you don't know what you don't know, right?

Yes, and sometimes it can go really badly.

I heard about someone who got sent home on day one for something minor.

Something like a strict dress code or even a big smile with lots of teeth.

Strange, but it happens.

Well, stick around, because today we're going to talk about that first day.

How to stay calm, what to do and what to avoid.

Hi everyone, glad you’re listening. Grab some coffee or tea.

We're just going to have an honest conversation, no fuss, about starting a new job.

Yes, exactly. Welcome.

I'm Henk and I was once so nervous that I didn't even dare to open the front door.

It's true, my hands were shaking.

Haha, I can relate. I'm Anita and I've also thought,

help, where’s the WN? How does the coffee machine work?

Simple things like that, that’s often where it starts.

Shall we begin with preparing for the first day?

That's actually half the work done.

Call or send an email and ask: what time should I be there?

Where exactly should I go? And who is my contact person?

Yes, and also ask: do I need a laptop or will one be provided?

I know someone who was days without a laptop because no one arranged for one.

Just checking saves a lot of hassle.

And bring your ID. And your bank details. Sometimes they ask for that right away for admin.

That's often called Human Resources. That's the part of the company that deals with people and contracts.

About clothing, yes. That’s always a thing.

Ask about the rules, the dress code, so the rules for clothes at work.

Start safe: nice pants, a simple shirt, and clean shoes. Done.

I heard someone had to go home on the first day because the boss thought her smile in a photo was too, um, too casual.

You could see a lot of teeth and they called it unprofessional.

Yes, I find that quite strict, but rules differ per company.

Yes, that’s really tough. I understand companies want a style, but a smile isn’t a mistake, right?

That’s why you should ask in advance about the tone of the company, the culture.

Company culture is basically how people interact and what’s normal there.

Arrive a bit early on the day itself, but not too much. Ten minutes early is fine.

Arriving an hour early can be awkward for others too.

And when you enter, introduce yourself calmly. State your name clearly and repeat the other person’s name.

That helps your memory. I say: hi, I’m Anita. Nice to meet you, right Piet?

Write it down, or even record it in a small notebook if needed.

And yes, bring pen and paper. That's golden. You’ll get a lot of information and your head is already full.

If you don’t understand something, ask right away. Just say: sorry, what do you mean exactly?

Or can you show that again? That’s not dumb, that’s smart.

I've also learned to ask right away: what’s the most important thing today?

That way you know what has priority. Priority is what needs to be done first, the most important thing.

Oh, and one more thing. Some bosses are very direct. They’ll say briefly: do this, do that.

That can sound strict, but sometimes it’s just their style, not necessarily angry.

Yes, I read a story about a new planner. They felt ridiculed by the manager’s brief responses.

But it turned out that’s just how the manager spoke: straightforward and concise. So don’t take it personally right away.

About lunch: just bring a sandwich on the first day. You often still don’t know if there’s a cafeteria or what time the break is.

Just ask: when is the break and where do you usually eat?

And yes, money and payments can vary by place. Sometimes there’s a shared pot, sometimes an app to pay, or everyone brings their own food. Just check, and you're good to go.

Should I share a nice story? Someone worked in the hospitality industry for years and then got an office job for the first time.

First day, own desk with a window, wow, that feeling of thinking: I’ve really achieved this.

But it can also go wrong. I read about a chef who quit after four shifts. The atmosphere was toxic, people were yelled at, and feedback was just shouting. That’s when it’s over.

Still, it’s wise to first see if you can change something. Ask for clear feedback. Say what went well and what could be better. That makes it concrete.

About systems and login codes: you usually get those on the first day. Check if you have access to your email and the key programs. And ask who you can call if something freezes.

Don't have a laptop or badge? Don't just sit and wait. Head to HR and calmly say: I think I’m missing something to start. That’s assertive but polite.

I heard about a restaurant where many people left. Not because they were lazy, but because the atmosphere just wasn’t good. If you notice that, you’re not crazy. It says something about the place.

That’s why, talk to colleagues who've been there longer. Ask something simple like: do you have any tips for the first week? People often like to help. It also breaks the ice.

And yes, small talk helps. Ask where someone lives, how they commute, or if they bike. But keep it friendly and not too personal on day one.

About time: be clear. Ask: what time do we normally start? And is remote work possible? And on which days? Better to be clear right away than have issues later.

If you’re working from home on day one, test your webcam and microphone. Log in five minutes early. Say hello and ask if you need to set up screen sharing. This way, you seem prepared.

Oh, and put your phone on silent during instructions. That’s respectful. If you need to take a call, say first: sorry, this is important. I’ll call back soon. This shows you care.

What you’d better avoid? Badmouthing your previous job. That can come off as strange. Keep it neutral. I learned a lot there and I'm looking forward to something new.

And don’t pretend you know everything. Instead, say: I’m familiar with this a bit, but I’d like to see how you do it here. That shows you want to learn.

Take a break, no matter how busy you are. Five or ten minutes of fresh air can ease a lot of stress. You don’t have to do everything at once.

If you're feeling tense, breathe in and out slowly. Three times, very consciously. Sounds simple, but it really works. Your voice and mind become calmer.

At the end of the day, write down three things that went well. Even if they’re small, like: I remembered my team’s names or I finished one task. That gives motivation for day two.

And check in with your supervisor: what’s the plan for tomorrow? Then you’ll know what to focus on. You’ll also sleep better knowing what’s coming.

Back to those discussions about being strict on day one. Some people say: rules are rules. Period. Others think: we’re all human. Give a little space.

I’m a bit in the middle, to be honest. Yeah, me too. I think clear rules are fine, but with explanations and respect. And humor is welcome too. If someone makes a mistake, laugh together and move on. That builds trust.

By the way, a surprising tip: set a small goal at the beginning. For example: today I’ll learn the names of three people and log into all systems. Done.

Small goals work better than one big vague goal.

Another tip: repeat tasks out loud. Say: so first A, then B, and then C. Is that right? This avoids misunderstandings. It sounds simple, but it's super handy.

And if something is unclear, ask for an example. Say: do you have perhaps an example file or template? Then you can replicate it. Learning by watching works quickly.

Also take care of your energy. Eat something. Drink water and take a short walk. The first day is really hectic. You’re not lazy; you’re just human.

At the end, thank someone who helped you. A simple thank you: your explanation was really nice works wonders. People remember that.

Okay, shall we wrap it up? The first day is exciting, but by asking questions, observing well, and staying friendly, you’ll go far. And don’t forget: making mistakes is okay. You’re learning.

If you found this useful, well, give it a like. And subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss the next tips. We talk honestly here, every week.

And let us know what your biggest question about work is. We’ll cover it next time. Thanks for listening and good luck with your first day.

You got this, really. Take it easy, ask questions, and be yourself. Until next time.