Employer approach: Dutch for international employees
Support for integration process
More and more international talents are coming to live and work in the Brainport region, a huge asset for our region's business and economy. But what we also see is that they often lack a social network. For example, only a quarter of international employees feel connected to their neighbours or the neighbourhood they live in. *
Language plays an important role in this. A good command of the Dutch language makes work easier and strengthens the bond with colleagues, society and the neigbourhood in which they live.
Role of employers
Employers are a crucial link in this. Research shows that language support and support from the employer is the second priority (after housing). This shows the importance of employers actively contributing to the integration process of international employees.
To ensure that internationals and their families integrate better in terms of language, the Municipality of Eindhoven, in cooperation with Holland Expat Center South and Brainport voor Elkaar, has launched the 'Employers' approach: Dutch for international employees'. This programme has been specially developed for employers in (labour market region) Southeast Brabant who want to contribute to the joint task and provide optimal support to their international employees.
The language courses are run by three regional language providers (STE, Taalkracht or Werkvloer Taal). For the employer, there are no costs for the courses in the first year (2025).
Why participate?
- Increase the integration and employability of your international employees.
- Strengthen mutual ties within your team and with society.
- Help internationals feel at home faster, both at work and privately.
For employers who:
- Are willing to offer language courses to their employees and do not currently do so.
- Want to increase their impact by offering courses to partners of employees in addition to language courses for employees.
- Are willing to share experiences and continuously improve the programme together.
- Are active in the (labour market region) Southeast Brabant.
What does it involve?
Based on the needs of you as an employer and of the employees, we determine which course offer fits best (which language provider, number of weeks, level, classroom/online ratio).
We determine which additional steps are needed within the organisation to complete the programme succesfully and integrate it sustainably (such as drawing up a language policy). The project leader provides support where necessary.
What do we expect from you?
- Active encouragement of employees to participate in the Dutch language course.
- The intention to continue offering language courses structurally, based on god experiences.
- Committed participation in the Brainport voor Elkaar working group, wher the exchange of knowlegde and experiences is central.
*Source: survey among 400 internationals, May 2024. Newcom Research & Consultancy
