Over the past few months…
We have observed a significant shift in the recruitment landscape in the Netherlands. As specialists in HR and technology recruitment across Europe, we keep a close eye on hiring trends, and one of the most striking changes since the first half of 2024 is the surge in demand for native Dutch speakers.
While English has long been the default business language for many multinationals operating in the region, we are now seeing a growing preference for professionals who are fluent in Dutch. This shift is particularly noticeable across client-facing and strategic roles, where local language proficiency is increasingly viewed as a key asset. Hiring managers are citing the ability to connect deeply with local markets and stakeholders as a significant advantage in a competitive environment.
For HR and recruitment professionals, this change presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, finding candidates who meet these specific criteria requires a more targeted approach. On the other, it reinforces the value of partnering with recruiters who understand the nuances of local markets and can tap into diverse talent pools.
Looking ahead, businesses operating in the Netherlands will need to consider how this trend might impact their broader talent strategies. For organisations committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, it will be important to balance the growing demand for native speakers with efforts to support diversity and integration across teams.
From our perspective at Oakleaf Partnership, this is an exciting time to support clients in navigating these evolving needs. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can support you or your organisation in navigating this evolving demand, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Europe team.
Amy Morris
Managing Director: UK & Europe
Rebecca Lancelles-Foskett
Director: Europe
Alex Wright
Senior Manager: Europe
Theo Karageorgis
Engagement Manager: Europe