Dutch language coaching at work: when participation isn’t a given

Dutch language coaching: when smart people hesitate to speak

They’re intelligent. Motivated. A valued part of the team.

And yet — they stay silent in meetings.

They understand what’s being said.

But they hesitate to speak.

They’re afraid of making mistakes, of sounding ‘off’.

And so, they hold back.

They avoid asking questions.

They let opportunities pass.

As an employer, you want your people to feel safe enough to participate — in Dutch.

Coaching that goes beyond language

My approach combines language coaching with personal support.

We focus on Dutch grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary — yes.

But we also work on what lies beneath: confidence, visibility, communication.

The coaching is always tailored:

• For international professionals working in the Netherlands or Belgium

• For those who want to speak more freely in Dutch

• For those who understand the language, but don’t dare to use it

• For teams where the company language is English, but Dutch is encouraged

Whether online or on location — I create a safe learning space where real growth happens.

What it brings to your organization

Employees who:

• Speak up with more confidence

• Dare to ask questions and offer input

• Feel more connected to colleagues

• Improve their Dutch in practical, relevant ways

• Are more visible and engaged on the work floor

“I understand Dutch, but I don’t dare to speak it.”

I hear it often. And I’ve seen how much can shift when someone feels safe enough to try.

Curious what it could mean for your team?

I regularly coach professionals who understand Dutch well, but feel uncertain about using it at work. In individual sessions — online or on location — we work on both language skills and confidence. Most coaching trajectories are funded by employers.

Want to know more? Feel free to contact me - I'd love to think with you.