Winking in Dutch workplaces is not a standard or universal practice, but it does happen. It is more common among certain individuals who use it as a playful, friendly gesture, often with a hint of humor or shared understanding. However, it can also be interpreted as flirtatious or unprofessional, depending on the context and the people involved.
In the Netherlands, workplace culture tends to be informal and direct, but physical gestures like winking are not typically part of everyday professional communication. When it does occur, it is usually meant to convey a lighthearted moment, such as a shared joke or a subtle acknowledgment. For example, a manager might wink to signal that a comment was not entirely serious, or a colleague might wink to add a friendly tone to a message. That said, because winking is ambiguous, it can easily be misread. Some Dutch people may use it without much thought, while others might see it as odd or overly familiar.
Your experience with three different colleagues winking at you suggests that in your specific workplace, it might be more accepted or at least tolerated. The fact that your female manager does it and you found it cute indicates that it can be a positive, bonding gesture. The 40s guy who winked to be friendly and the early 20s guy who did it twice could be trying to establish rapport, but without knowing them well, it is hard to be sure of their intent.
If you are uncomfortable with any of these winks, you have every right to set boundaries. Dutch workplaces generally respect direct communication, so if a wink feels inappropriate, you can politely address it. For instance, you might say, "I noticed you winked earlier. Was there something you wanted to share?" This gives the person a chance to explain without confrontation. If the behavior persists and bothers you, consider speaking to your manager or HR.
On the other hand, if you are simply curious and not bothered, you can observe how others react. Do they wink back? Does the winking happen only in certain situations? Over time, you will get a sense of whether it is a personal quirk or a broader cultural norm in your office.
Remember that Dutch directness means people often say what they mean, so if someone winks and you are unsure, it is okay to ask. Most colleagues will appreciate your honesty. If you want to improve your understanding of Dutch social cues, resources like Dutch Fluency can help, but ultimately, context and individual personality matter most.
In summary, winking is not a standard Dutch workplace norm, but it is not unheard of. It can be friendly, flirty, or simply a habit. Trust your instincts, communicate openly if needed, and adapt to your specific environment.