Will a Robot Take Your Desk Job? Over 40% of Dutch Workforce Think So

Living in the Netherlands as an expat comes with plenty of adjustments. You get used to the cycling culture, the direct communication style, and the unpredictable weather. But another shift is happening right now that affects everyone, regardless of where you come from. It’s happening in offices across the country as Dutch workers increasingly air their concerns about the power of AI.

Artificial Intelligence is the topic around almost every office coffee machineand cooler these days. You might wonder if your Dutch colleagues are worried about it. Thanks to a new report from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) published in February 2026, we actually know how the workforce feels. The numbers tell a story of mixed emotions. There is optimism about efficiency, but real concern about the future of careers.

Let’s break down what the Dutch workforce is thinking and what it might mean for you.

The Big Picture: Can AI Do Your Job?

The short answer for many people is “yes.”

According to the 2025 Perceptions survey, a huge chunk of the workforce sees the writing on the wall. Specifically, 41% of people with paid jobs believe AI could handle at least part of their work. A smaller group, about 4%, thinks AI could completely take over their role.

This isn’t just a vague feeling. It is based on real experience. Nearly half of all working adults (43%) are already using AI tools in their daily tasks. The more you use it, the more you see its power. Among the people who actually use AI at work, more than half believe it could do their job. For those who don’t touch the technology, that number drops significantly.

If you work in a corporate office in Amsterdam or a tech hub in Eindhoven, you might feel this pressure more than others. The data show that people with university degrees or higher professional education (HBO) are more likely to think their work can be automated than those with vocational training.

Who Is Worried?

Acknowledging that a computer can do your work is one thing. Being scared about it is another.

The survey found that about half of the workers who think AI can do their job are worried about it. Most of these people are “somewhat concerned,” while 8% are very concerned.

It is interesting to look at who feels the most stress. Men and women are equally likely to admit that AI could perform their tasks. However, women tend to be more worried about the consequences.

Age plays a huge role here, too. You might assume older Dutch workers would be the most resistant to AI changes. Actually, young adults (18 to 24) are most convinced that AI could replace them. This makes sense when you consider that entry-level jobs often involve repetitive digital tasks that software can handle easily. Despite this, concern levels are similar across all age groups. Everyone, from the intern to the senior manager, is watching this space closely.

The Fear of Losing Skills

There is a deeper worry than just losing a paycheck. There is a fear of losing the human touch.

When you automate tasks, you stop doing them yourself. Over time, you might forget how to do them altogether. The CBS report highlights that 64% of people think AI will lead to a decline in knowledge and skills.

Think about it. If you use GPS every day, you might lose your sense of direction. If you use AI to write every email or code every script, do you lose your ability to communicate or program? It is a valid concern for expats building a career here. You want to stay sharp and valuable in the Dutch labor market.

Almost half of the respondents also believe AI makes work less interesting. If the machine does the thinking, work might become boring.

It’s Not All Doom and Gloom

Before you start packing your bags or switching careers to something AI-proof (like plumbing), there is some good news. The Dutch workforce sees plenty of upside, too.

Productivity is the big winner. 57% of Dutch workers expect AI to help things move faster. We all have those boring administrative tasks that eat up our mornings. If a tool can handle those, we get time back for the work that actually matters.

There is also hope for the tough labor market. The Netherlands has faced worker shortages in many sectors for years. 46% of people think AI could help solve this problem. If fewer humans are needed for basic tasks, the shortage might not feel as severe.

Safety is another major plus. 41% of people believe AI will replace jobs that are unsafe. If a robot can handle dangerous inspections or heavy lifting, fewer humans get hurt. That is a win for everyone.

What This Means for Expats

So, what should you do with this information?

First, don’t panic. The Dutch are known for being pragmatic. They see the risks, but they also see the benefits.

If you work in a field that requires higher education, realize that your Dutch peers likely see automation coming. They aren’t ignoring it. They are likely already using these tools. To stay competitive, you should, too.

The fact that young people are so aware of AI’s potential suggests that the next generation of Dutch workers will be extremely tech-savvy.

Also, keep an eye on that “skills decline” statistic. If 64% of people worry about losing skills, you can stand out by keeping yours sharp. Don’t let the tools do everything. Keep learning Dutch, keep refining your professional craft, and use AI as an assistant.

Final Thoughts

The Dutch workplace is changing. Whether you are freelancing in Rotterdam or working for a multinational in The Hague, AI is part of the conversation.

The CBS numbers show a realistic workforce. They know the technology is powerful. They know it threatens some jobs. But they also see the potential for safer, faster work.

As an expat, your ability to adapt has always been your superpower. You moved to a new country and built a life here. Adapting to a new digital coworker is just the next challenge.

Stay curious, keep learning, and maybe ask your Dutch colleague how they are using these new tools. You might learn something useful for your own job security.