Expats in Flanders: impact of knowledge Dutch on well-being, participation and retention

This research project, led by Artevelde University of Applied Sciences and supported by the Dutch Language Union (2022–2025), investigates how Dutch language support from employers affects the well-being, integration, and retention of international employees in Flanders.

Research theme: Talent-oriented organizations

Field of interest: Business and Management

Duration: 1/09/2022 - 31/08/2025

Financing: PWO; Andere

The role of Dutch language skills comes up a lot in research on integration and participation. A target group that is often overlooked here is the expatriate population. Yet we see a growing population of expats in Belgium. An expat is a person, born and raised in another country, who is in Belgium for an often limited period of time to work in an international company.

Key Findings

Many internationals learn Dutch voluntarily, even in English-speaking workplaces, to better integrate.
Informal learning (e.g., conversations with locals) is as important as formal lessons.
Only a third of respondents received language support, often limited and not tailored to workplace needs.
Less than half of the organizations have a clear language policy.
Middle-skilled internationals and smaller organizations face unique challenges.
Support from colleagues and managers is crucial, especially at the start.
Active language support by employers boosts engagement and well-being.
A sense of belonging is more effective than enforced assimilation.
Social networks and partner support influence long-term settlement.
Retention depends more on job content and opportunities than language alone.

Tool for Employers

A practical measurement tool was developed to help organizations assess and improve their language and integration policies, with actionable recommendations.

For more details, explore the research reports or listen to the podcast series "From Move to Home."