At Philips, we speak the language of innovation. Wherever you come from.
From ‘houdoe’ to feeling at home
For Begum, it all started eight years ago with a simple word: ‘houdoe’. Today, she is a factory manager at Philips in Best and feels like a true Brabander. ‘Otherwise you feel blind,’ she says about the importance of learning Dutch. Not because you have to, but because otherwise you miss out on those conversations at the coffee machine. Those jokes in the hallway. Those moments when you really connect.
The culture at the factory in Best is predominantly Dutch, while at other Philips locations, English is spoken more. But it is precisely that warm, local culture in Best that appeals to Begum. She even wears a sticker at the Saturday market that says, ‘Talk to me in Dutch.’ Because as soon as people hear that she is not a native speaker, they switch to English. But she wants to practise.
Small steps, big difference
Learning a new language takes energy, both physical and mental. At the end of the day, you sometimes feel drained, especially if English is your third language. But Begum is proud of what she has achieved. Her advice to new internationals? "Start small. Order your coffee in English. Read labels in the supermarket. Immerse yourself in the culture and participate in local traditions. Just do it."
At Philips, you see that support throughout the company. Nadine, who works at the Philips Museum, experiences every day how important language is for inclusion. Her team includes colleagues from Colombia, Peru and Iran. The working language is Dutch, but consideration is given to colleagues who are still learning the language: speaking more slowly, taking breaks during meetings, making mistakes is allowed.
Begum's first words in Dutch? ‘Houdoe, of course! And gezellig and lekker – words that quickly earn you points here.’
A team of all cultures
‘International colleagues appreciate the Dutch directness,’ says Nadine. ‘It speeds up their learning process.’ And that diversity? It's a strength. Multilingual colleagues can guide groups in their native language, which is greatly appreciated by international visitors and stakeholders.
But it goes beyond work. Colleagues have lunch together, undertake cultural activities, and show genuine interest in each other's backgrounds. No one has to completely adapt – it is precisely this mix of cultures that makes the team diverse and inclusive.
Looking out for each other
‘It makes me proud that Philips offers opportunities to internationals, even though that sometimes requires more time and effort,’ says Nadine. ‘It fits with Philips' character: looking out for each other and caring for each other. That's really in the DNA of this company.’
From iftar meals to the WGP programme that offers opportunities to internationals, Philips is about more than just work. It's about building a home together. Because words like ‘gezellig’ and ‘lekker’? They quickly win you sympathy. But real connection comes when you feel at home. And language is the key to that.
Nadine's most important lesson as a local? ‘It's okay to make mistakes. We help each other to master the language.’