Earlier this year, as a Dutch organization, we acquired the existing Belgian cash carry Home Living Go. It was certainly an exciting process! HR Advisor Gaby shares her experiences about the transition and talks about the amusing cultural differences between Dutch and Belgian colleagues.
*In the photo Gaby van Veen – van Ede with a colleague at TICA Venlo
The process is still in full swing but going very well so far! It’s always exciting to start with an existing team. Fortunately, our Belgian colleagues are very enthusiastic. Business manager Patsy, for example, is particularly surprised by how often Dutch colleagues are present in Brussels to work on things together. This involvement from both sides ensures a smooth transition.
I notice that our Dutch colleagues tend to be more direct. At TICA, it’s normal to always express what’s on your mind, in a respectful way of course. I hope our Belgian colleagues will soon feel comfortable enough to do the same.
Additionally, there are often hilarious situations because we speak the same language but use many words differently. For instance, our Belgian colleagues often use the word ‘effectief’ while we don’t experience it as effective at all – they use it more for emphasis. Or they ‘passeren’ (pass) a document. Well, just small things, but amusing nonetheless.
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