From experience I can say that a lot of the Belgians are very highly (I'd almost dare say over-) qualified for the jobs they do. And that goes for almost every level of skill and knowledge. We used to joke that even a toilet lady would have to speak at least four languages fluently before she'd get a job scrubbing public toilets in some backwater town. ;o)There was a discussion on the list a while ago about US versus European productivity. Just came across this article in the local paper with some relevant stats and comments. It makes many of the points that were mentioned in the list discussion. <snipped>
Belgians were third at $US34 ($A53.22). US workers were in fourth place at $US32 ($A50.09) an hour worked.
Schmidt said it was not clear why the three countries outscored the United
States.
"There are many, many reasons," she said. "One might be that during the time that these people work, they work more efficiently. It might be that the technology they use enables them to be more efficient in this one hour."
But in truth, and comparing work climates I also noticed great differences. Belgians accept their fates more easily, make the best of it and get on, whereass the Dutch probably first would form a commision/discussiongroup or other to research and discuss how to improve things and the Germans would probably organise a meeting where the boss, would tell his employees that it isn't so bad before telling them to shut up and continue with the work. ;o) <huge grin>. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a huge difference in attitude towards work. That, and in Belgium you usually get paid an all in salery. So if you finish early the rest of the hours are considered a bonus. I for one alway found that extremely motivating.
Sonja ;o)
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