What is National Workplace Visit Day?

National Workplace Visit Day in the Netherlands, known as Nationale Werkbezoekdag, takes place annually on November 20th. This day provides an opportunity for job seekers, career switchers, and anyone curious about a particular industry to explore various workplaces. Organized by Stichting JobOn, the day aims to connect talent across the Netherlands with potential employers, fostering career growth and professional networking.

On National Workplace Visit Day, hundreds of employers open their doors for tours, online networking conversations, and company presentations. The event offers a unique, low-pressure environment for participants to learn more about specific professions and industries, building knowledge and making valuable connections.

History and Origin

National Workplace Visit Day began in 2013 as a local initiative by Prof. Dr. Ton Wilthagen to help connect individuals with job opportunities. Recognizing its impact, Stichting JobOn adopted the event in 2017 as a nationwide initiative, organizing it each November. Since then, National Workplace Visit Day has grown, with companies across various sectors welcoming participants to explore their work environments. The event emphasizes the importance of professional networking, career exploration, and engaging with talent in an approachable, informative way.

Who Celebrates National Workplace Visit Day?

• Job Seekers: Individuals looking for employment opportunities participate to explore potential workplaces and meet employers.
• Career Changers: Those considering a shift in their professional path join to gain insight into new industries and connect with companies.
• Employers and Companies: Employers host tours, presentations, and networking sessions to showcase their company culture and meet potential candidates.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities often encourage students to attend, offering an opportunity to learn about different careers.
• Professional Organizations and HR Networks: Groups involved in talent acquisition and career support may partner with the event to promote networking and job market engagement.

Themes and Slogans

National Workplace Visit Day focuses on themes of career exploration, networking, and talent discovery. Popular slogans include “Discover Your Future Workplace”, encouraging participants to explore new opportunities, and “Connecting Talent and Opportunities”, emphasizing the event’s role in bridging the gap between talent and employers. Another theme is “Explore, Connect, Grow”, highlighting the personal and professional growth opportunities that come from engaging with new industries and companies.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Blue and Green: Representing trust, professionalism, and growth, these colors are commonly associated with the event’s branding.
• Orange: Symbolizing Dutch national pride and energy, orange reflects the event’s roots in the Netherlands.
• White: Representing openness and clarity, white is often used in promotional materials to highlight the event’s accessibility.

Symbols

• Handshake Icon: Representing networking and connection, the handshake symbolizes the opportunity to form new professional relationships.
• Magnifying Glass: Emphasizing career exploration, the magnifying glass represents the idea of discovering new opportunities and industries.
• Building or Office Icon: Reflecting workplace environments, this symbol represents companies opening their doors to welcome participants.

Patterns

• Arrows and Pathways: Arrows or pathways in designs represent career growth, choices, and new directions.
• Networking Circles: Patterns of interconnected circles emphasize the event’s focus on building professional connections.
• Open Door Designs: Open doors in visuals represent the opportunity for participants to step into new spaces and possibilities.

How to Celebrate National Workplace Visit Day

Participating in National Workplace Visit Day provides an excellent opportunity to explore new career options and network within the Dutch job market. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Attend a Workplace Tour or Presentation: Many companies host open tours or online presentations to introduce participants to their culture and work environment.
• Participate in Networking Sessions: Join networking sessions to connect with company representatives, ask questions, and learn more about industry expectations and opportunities.
• Research Participating Companies: Explore the list of participating organizations on the event’s official website to identify workplaces and industries of interest.
• Prepare Questions and Goals: Before attending, consider your professional goals and prepare questions about company culture, job roles, and career growth to make the most of your visits.
• Engage in Virtual Visits if Unable to Attend In-Person: Many companies offer virtual sessions, allowing participants to engage with the event from anywhere.
• Follow Up with Connections Made: After the event, reach out to any professionals you met to maintain the connection, whether via LinkedIn or email.

Why is National Workplace Visit Day Important?

National Workplace Visit Day is important because it fosters career development, professional networking, and talent discovery in the Netherlands. The day provides a welcoming environment for job seekers and those exploring new fields to meet with employers, understand different work environments, and learn about various industries. For employers, it’s an opportunity to connect with potential talent, share their company culture, and showcase available roles.

By encouraging open conversations between companies and individuals, National Workplace Visit Day contributes to a more connected and informed workforce, supporting both job seekers and employers. It promotes personal growth, skill-building, and career exploration, making it a valuable event for the Dutch job market.