English is spoken widely throughout The Netherlands as a second language in the major cities. At the same time, knowing and using a little Dutch will take the visitor or newcomer far in developing closer, more respectful relationships with Dutch colleagues.

Doors are often closed and sometimes locked. Knocking before entering and closing doors when leaving the room is appreciated. Women and men are treated as equals in the Netherlands although this may not be universal in the countryside, across all generations or industries. Staying late at the office is not necessarily a good sign: it more often will be interpreted as indicating that the individual is incapable of organizing him/herself well enough to accomplish the job in the time permitted. In some industries, however, not staying late is frowned upon, especially in the fast moving worlds of IT, consultancy and finance. In these professions, one is expected to do far more than the usual office hours. People do not readily work over weekends, holidays or vacations; personal time is considered important—although Dutch businesspeople will take work home with them into the evening and it is not improper to call a Dutch person at home (if permission to do so has previously been given) on business matters on workday evenings if it is necessary and cannot wait until the next day.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Netherlands guide.