Learning Dutch at work: small things that help

I work in The Hague. At my job, many people speak English. That is easy, but then you don’t learn Dutch. This helped me:

• Tell your colleagues. I said: speak Dutch with me, even if it goes slowly. Most colleagues like that. They are happy to help.
• Use the break. Lunch is a free lesson. Listen first. Then join in. Small sentences are enough.
• Learn the words for your job. Ten words every week. Machines, forms, safety. You hear those words every day, so you remember them quickly.
• Mistakes are okay. I said "de meisje" for a year. Nobody laughed. A colleague said: it is "het meisje". Now I know.
• Ask for repetition. "Could you say that again, but more slowly?" I still use this sentence. It always works.

Extra tip: check whether there is a language café in the library near you. Free practice, no pressure.

For my exams, I learned a lot at work. More than from books, I think. What helps you at work? I’m curious.