VDL: On the bus, you get to know the language and the people.
From "de file" to "de witte geit"
"Stond je gisteren ook lang in de file?" (‘Were you stuck in traffic yesterday?’ )That was the question an international colleague asked Jelle, team leader at VDL VDS in Hapert. Only he pronounced “file” in English. At first, Jelle didn't understand. It was only later that the penny dropped. It turned out that the colleague had been mispronouncing it for weeks and had told several colleagues about his adventures in “the file”. Since then, it has become a running gag: ‘Were you stuck in the “file” yesterday?’
It is moments like these that characterise the workplace at VDL. Where language is not just a means of communicating instructions, but where every attempt to speak Dutch is appreciated. ‘You see colleagues making great strides when you take the time to have a chat,’ says Jelle. "Speaking calmly, using short sentences and having the necessary patience – that makes all the difference. "
Driving a Ferrari in second gear
Karolina Duda, now assistant production manager, came to the Netherlands from Poland at the end of 2008. Through an acquaintance at VDL. At first she thought: why should I learn Dutch? I'm not staying here long anyway. She honestly admits that these are excuses many people use to avoid learning.
It took her almost a year to enrol in her first Dutch course at Jo-Pol in Eindhoven. Fifteen years ago, no one offered free language lessons. ‘It wasn't cheap, but it was one of my best investments,’ Karolina says now.
Her view on language? ‘If you live in a country and don't speak the language, it's like driving a Ferrari in second gear. Getting to know the language and culture broadens your horizons and gives you confidence.’
The perfect translator
After the crisis, a wave of new Polish colleagues came to work at VDL. Some spoke English well, others less so, and still others spoke only German. Karolina became the perfect translator for the company. The director regularly asked her to translate important matters – especially those concerning safety at work – into her native language.
‘The fact that I learned Dutch certainly helped me with my promotion,’ she says. From production to setter, from assistant team leader to team leader, and now assistant production manager. All positions she could not have achieved without the language.
Dialects and "de witte geit"
And then there are those dialects. For a beginner learning a foreign language, it is impossible at first to distinguish between dialect and correct language usage. Karolina experienced this herself: she said something in dialect at the town hall (without realising it) and everyone burst out laughing. She had learned it at work and to her it was normal.
‘Now I can distinguish between dialects a little,’ she laughs, ‘and I am convinced that Brabant is the best dialect in the Netherlands.’
Karolina's conviction as an international? ‘Every person is equally important, just as every piece of a jigsaw puzzle is needed to complete the puzzle.’
Strength through collaboration
VDL employs bright minds from all corners of the world. ‘And we need them all,’ says Jelle. ‘It is important that everyone feels at home and performs to the best of their ability.’
That inclusivity starts on the first day of work. A good first impression is essential, both professionally and socially. It starts with announcing the arrival of a new colleague, giving them a tour, and explaining the (unwritten) rules. A buddy is assigned. A locker, login details and work clothes are provided.
‘A friendly chat, active listening and the occasional activity outside of work – that works wonders,’ says Jelle. He recently ran the Eindhoven half marathon with a number of colleagues. That mix of work and private life, of professional and personal, is what characterises VDL.
Being treated equally
‘First and foremost, being treated equally. It doesn't matter which country you come from,’ says Karolina. ‘VDL is a family business, which is why we are treated differently than in large companies. Our slogan “strength through cooperation” shows that we are all part of one team.’
Those sporting events where VDL employees compete together in the same colours? Karolina really enjoys them. Learning about each other's cultures? Jelle likes to tell international colleagues about the history of Eindhoven, how companies such as Philips made this city great, which is also where VDL originated.
And when Karolina looks back? ‘If I could turn back time, I would also come to the Netherlands. Only I would definitely learn the language faster.’ Because, as she so beautifully puts it: ‘This is my place on earth.’
Jelle's advice as a local? ‘Take your time and use visual aids. And if that really doesn't work? Then you can always use your hands and feet.’