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Recommended
Cultural Training
Cultural Differences in the Workplace
More understanding. Clearer communication. Stronger international teams.
All levels
Workshop
At your workplace
In most international teams, these kinds of situations are misinterpreted — and can lead to unnecessary conflict, lower motivation and sometimes people leaving.
Does this sound familiar?
Cultural differences aren't visible —
Cultural differences aren't visible —
you feel them
They are not about accents or language itself. They're in how someone deals with feedback, authority, silence and collaboration. Click on a scenario to see what's really going on.
Scenario 1
"They say yes, but do it differently"
Your international colleague nods, says she understands — and then does it her own way. You think: lack of engagement.
What's really going on
What's really going on
In many cultures, saying a direct 'no' — especially to a manager — is considered rude. 'Yes' then means: "I heard you." Not: "I'll do it that way." This isn't unreliability — it's a different communication pattern.
Result: repeated agreements, growing frustration, loss of trust
Scenario 2
"He never says anything in meetings"
Experienced employee, but always silent. No input, no questions. You wonder whether he's even engaged.
What's really going on
What's really going on
In hierarchical cultures, people don't simply speak up in the presence of managers. They wait for a direct invitation. Silence here is a sign of respect — not disinterest or lack of knowledge.
Result: valuable knowledge goes unused, employee feels excluded
Scenario 3
"She never asks for help, even when things go wrong"
Your new employee gets stuck but does not ask for help. You think: stubbornness, or too proud to admit it.
What's really going on
What's really going on
In cultures with strong status sensitivity, asking for help is risky — it shows weakness and undermines one's position. This can lead to mistakes going unreported and building up. It's not pride. It's fear of losing face.
Result: mistakes go unnoticed, stress for the employee, avoidable quality loss
Take the test
How many cultural differences do you recognise?
4 real-life situations. What's really going on? The answers may surprise you.
Question 1 of 4
What do we cover?
Six themes that make the difference
Built around the cultural challenges international teams face every day. The workshop addresses the patterns that most commonly cause friction and misunderstandings — and gives your team practical tools for clearer communication and better collaboration.
Direct vs. indirect communication
Dutch people are direct. Others communicate more indirectly. Neither is right or wrong — but if you don't know the difference, everyone misses the point.
Hierarchy and authority
In some cultures the manager is always right. In others, pushing back is normal. This determines who speaks, who stays silent — and why.
Giving and receiving feedback
Direct feedback is normal in the Netherlands. For some people, it can feel hurtful. Learn how to stay honest without causing harm — and how to recognise feedback when it's wrapped up.
Perception of time and commitments
A deadline is not the same everywhere. Understand why 'being on time' is culturally loaded — and how to set clear expectations without judging.
Non-verbal communication
Eye contact, silence, distance, gestures — they mean different things in different cultures. What you read as disinterest may be respect. And vice versa.
Conflict and saving face
Some cultures avoid conflict at all costs. Others confront directly. If you don't know this, every conflict gets misread.
What does the day look like?
Active, relatable and full of energy
No PowerPoint-heavy session. The day focuses on real workplace situations — discussed, role-played and explored in practice.
START
01
PRESENTATION
02
CASES & GAMES
03
DISCUSSION
Step 1 of 3
01
Presentation & awareness
We open with a short presentation on cultural communication patterns — relatable, concrete and directly linked to your team's work situation. Participants immediately recognise themselves and their colleagues.
We discuss how culture influences the way people communicate, deal with authority, give feedback and collaborate — with real examples from practice.
Practical information
Max. 20
Participants
½ – 1 day
Duration
Tailored
Content per team
All
Cultures & sectors
Location
At your office
Quote
Price on request
Ready for the next step?
Invest one day — and improve collaboration structurally
We discuss your team, the cultures present and what your goals are. No obligations — just a concrete proposal within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
The workshop is suitable for any company with an international or multicultural team. Whether you have 5 or 200 employees — if different backgrounds and communication styles come together, this training is relevant.
That's up to you. Ideally a mixed group: both Dutch and international employees. The conversation that emerges when both sides are present is often the most valuable. We'll advise on this during the intake.
In Dutch by default. On request also partly or fully in English, so that all international colleagues can participate fully.
A language training improves language skills. This workshop focuses on something different: the invisible rules and patterns that determine how people communicate — regardless of the language they speak. Both can exist alongside each other, and reinforce one another.
The price depends on the duration and number of participants. Request a no-obligation quote — we respond within 48 hours with a concrete proposal.
