In the fast-paced world of digital agencies, Youwe has managed to carve a name for itself with locations in Groningen, Rotterdam, the UK, and the Nordics among other places. With a focus on e-commerce, they’ve partnered with over 100 companies, including big hitters like Booking.com, G Star, and Schneider Electric, guiding them through the digital maze.
The local job platform for internationals Make it in the North recently spoke with Youwe co-owner Tjitte Folkertsma about how their company feels about hiring internationals. Unsurprisingly it works out great with expats immediately feeling at home at Youwe where the core working language is English. The company is very supportive of employees that want to learn Dutch but it also doesn’t throw expats in the deep-end of the pool alone. Youwe offers its employees a budget for them to develop themselves. Another one of Youwe’s best practices involves them hiring a relocation manager so that there’s one person always available to help internationals with any questions they might have.
English as the core language
So, how did this journey towards embracing internationals begin? Well, for Youwe, it was a natural progression. English was already the language of choice due to their international clientele, making the transition to hiring internationals a no-brainer. Eventually the coronavirus pandemic sparked a surge in demand for their services and prompted Youwe to welcome a relocation manager to smooth the path for those moving to the Netherlands.
But every journey has its bumps, right? Integrating internationals into Dutch offices posed some challenges, albeit minor. Yet, Youwe tackled them head-on, making English the heartbeat of their communication and rolling out a string of social events – think Friday drinks, monthly pizza sessions, and even boat trips – to foster that sense of belonging. Oh, and let’s not forget their trusty relocation manager, the go-to person for everything from Dutch language courses to navigating the housing market.
Now, let’s talk about the perks of having an international crew. Youwe isn’t just in it for the talent hunt; they’re reaping the benefits of diverse perspectives and experiences. From addressing talent shortages to enhancing global competitiveness, international hires are the secret sauce in Youwe’s recipe for success.
Youwe actively celebrates its diversity
But diversity isn’t just a buzzword at Youwe; it’s a way of life. They’re all about celebrating differences, whether it’s through cross-cultural communication training or compiling the ultimate Youwe International Cookbook – a mouthwatering collection of recipes from their diverse workforce.
Sure, Dutch proficiency isn’t mandatory, but picking up a bit of the local language can’t hurt. Youwe encourages it, recognising the value it adds to both work and personal life in the Netherlands.
As for recruitment, Youwe keeps it inclusive, advertising most vacancies in English. While certain roles may call for Dutch fluency, the company values skills and expertise above all else, welcoming applicants from all corners of the globe.
Looking ahead, Youwe sees its international hires putting down roots in the Netherlands. Many are smitten with Dutch culture and are here for the long haul, a testament to Youwe’s efforts in making them feel at home.
So, if you’re a company eyeing up international talent, perhaps take a leaf out of Youwe’s book. Embrace diversity, nurture inclusivity, and watch your team thrive in the rich tapestry of perspectives that international hires bring to the table.
You can read the full interview over at Make it in the North.
Photo and video: Julia Dumchenko
