Orientation year 2024: guide for international graduates in the Netherlands
14-06-24
An Orientation Year (or zoekjaar, in Dutch) is what allows international students to live and search for a job in the Netherlands for up to 12 months.
Navigating recruitment in the age of AI
30-05-24
AI is changing how companies find and hire people. AI tools make recruiting faster and more efficient, taking over tasks that used to take a lot of time and effort. But using AI in hiring also comes with challenges. In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using AI in recruitment.
EXPLAINED: Works councils in the Netherlands
08-05-24
Are you familiar with the ‘Works Council’ for businesses in the Netherlands? A works council in the Netherlands is probably the most important representative body of employee interests for a company. A works council (in Dutch: ondernemingsraden, OR) is made ...
5 reasons your Dutch HR team wants you to take your holidays
25-04-24
In today’s fast-paced and competitive workplace, employees are always feeling pressured to not take their paid time off for any reason, no matter how much they might need it or even want it. In some business cultures, this is intentional. ...
Explained: The NEW 30% ruling
12-04-24
If you were recruited from outside the Netherlands, you are likely familiar with the concept of the ‘30% ruling.’ In 2024, the Dutch government introduced several key changes to the 30% ruling. To help businesses and expats understand what these changes mean for them, we are going to use this article to explain the NEW 30% ruling.
King’s Day: what you need to know
29-03-24
Spring has sprung, and the traditional Dutch holiday of ‘King’s Day’ is approaching! We celebrate King’s Day on April 27th, and you can be sure that the Dutch are already planning what they will be doing on this day. The ...
Guide to wages in the Netherlands (updated 2024)
14-03-24
Wages in the Netherlands can baffle internationals regarding how it is calculated or how much tax is deducted from the “gross amount”. Not to mention, the minimum wage, social premiums, and extra benefits typical in the Netherlands is unique. We ...
Overcoming homesickness: 5 coping strategies for expats living abroad
07-03-24
At Octagon, we understand the challenges expats face when adjusting to life in a new country, particularly the Netherlands. As expats ourselves, we are committed to easing this transition for our clients and their employees. Recognising that homesickness is a ...