only show blogs for


Key changes in Dutch employment law

5 key changes in Dutch employment law and regulations 2024 

Heading into the new year, 2024 brings some important changes in Dutch employment law and regulations which impact both individuals and businesses. In this article, we will delve into five key updates that come into effect in 2024.   1. Tax-free ...

Thing to do in Winter in the Netherlands

5 winter activities in the Netherlands you can’t miss! 

The winter season is always filled of joy and that “gezellig” feeling that surrounds the festivities. However, it is still difficult to come up with activities to spend quality time with family and friends at this time of year. The ...

Dutch health insurance

Dutch health insurance 101: a beginner’s guide

Are you planning to come to the Netherlands for work? Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is required by law to take out Dutch health insurance. A standard health insurance package is compulsory covering consultation with a GP, hospital treatment, and prescription, while an additional package such as for dental check-ups is optional.  

Person learning the Dutch language

Submission to Octagon: personal reflection on learning Dutch to live in the Netherlands 

We at Octagon Professionals are made up of a team of expats and internationals from all over the world. So many members of our team have first-hand experience about what it’s like to be an expat and live in a ...

Debunking 5 myths about visas in the Netherlands (2.0)

For this edition of debunking Visas myths, we bring you 5 common myths around visas and permits to live and work in the Netherlands. 1. “I can relocate my non-European workers to the Netherlands without extra steps.“ It is not ...

Two professionals engaged in a productive discussion during an absenteeism interview.

General tips on the absenteeism interview or long-term sick leave check-in 

First things first. As an employer you have a duty of care to your employees. Most companies feel this duty very acutely; however, it is not easy to put it into practice. Here are 10 tips on making the absenteeism ...

How to have a health check-in or absenteeism interview

Communicating effectively with an employee who is on sick leave is crucial to ensure a smooth and legally compliant process under Dutch labor law. It’s important to show empathy, maintain open lines of communication, and adhere to regulations.  We want ...

Retention as talent acquisition strategy – an Employer’s Guide 

Prevention is better than cure, and preserving is better than hiring. It is much more attractive for a company to retain an employee who already knows the organization, is satisfied, and knows that there are career opportunities than to look ...