Taalbuddy's op het werk (Language buddies at work)
Learning the language of our home, together
With Taalbuddy's op het werk, colleagues help each other not only to improve their language skills, but to build genuine connection. Because language is more than just words. It’s about understanding why we always chat about the weather at the coffee machine, or what’s meant by typically Dutch traditions like luizenpluizen (checking children’s hair for lice).
What it involves
As a language buddy, you’ll practise Dutch during working hours together with your colleague who speaks another language. You’ll receive training (either individually or as part of a group of Taalbuddy’s) and get access to learning materials and e-learning modules to help you get started effectively. After that, you’ll meet with your colleague each week to keep practising together. As a buddy, you’ll be given various tools and ideas to help shape your conversations.
Are you an international? Together with your buddy, you’ll not only practise Dutch but also learn more about Dutch habits, workplace culture and everyday customs. It’s a great way to feel at home, at work and beyond.
We’ll continue to inspire you throughout the programme to keep it engaging and varied. After 20 weeks of practising together, the programme concludes with a celebration, and both the Taalbuddy and the international colleague receive a certificate.
Why Taalbuddy's op het werk?
With Taalbuddy’s, you invest in more than just language. Colleagues learn to understand each other better, work together more smoothly and feel more connected. This leads to a more inclusive, safe and productive workplace.
Taalbuddy’s not only strengthen the language skills of international employees, but also the coaching skills of their buddies. Everyone grows and the workplace truly becomes a place where everyone can take part.
Taalbuddy's at Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven
That our region is becoming increasingly international is reflected, for example, at Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven. You can hear more and more different languages not only among the guests, but also the staff no longer comes solely from the Netherlands. As a member of Brainport voor Elkaar, Van der Valk therefore took part in the Taalbuddy's op het werk programme.
"Taalbuddy's at work is a particularly accesible way to support international employees in a very practical manner on the workfloor. We are currently trying this whit Malamati, a Greek shift leader form the restaurant, who has been paired with Tess, one of our Groups and Events Coordinators."
Lenneke Jullion, HR & Projectmanager Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven
Taalbuddy's at DLL
At DLL, the Dutch language was also practised during working hours. During the final meeting of the programme, we looked back together on the past 20 weeks. The results? More self-confidence among the language learners and increased awareness and openness among the language buddies.
"Juul was very patient with me, and thanks to her I'm now less afraid to make contact and I dare to approach my colleagues in Dutch more readily," says language learner Solène Ponson. Taalbuddy Juul Ambrosius adds: "Thanks to Solène, I realise how difficult it is to learn Dutch and how important it is for us as Dutch people to actively involve colleagues who speak other languages. I've noticed that I've become much more open towards non-Dutch speakers.
