.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation
Transgressive Behaviour in the Workplace: Legal and Cultural Shifts in the Netherlands
13 May 2025
In the Netherlands, the topic of “grensoverschrijdend gedrag”—transgressive or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace—has evolved from a relatively underexposed HR issue to a legal and societal priority. As an employment lawyer advising Dutch and international employers, I have seen this shift unfold in both subtle and seismic ways. What was once handled quietly within organisations is now a subject of public debate, regulatory scrutiny, and legislative reform. In this blog, I explore the recent legal developments, practical implications, and cultural challenges surrounding transgressive behaviour at work in the Netherlands—and what employers should know to act responsibly and effectively.