The labor shortage in the Netherlands is currently enormous and will remain so for the time being, because young people look for jobs that satisfy them and for this reason, they often ignore offers in the market that do not satisfy them, says NU.
This also means that the permanent contract, among other things, is no longer enough: “For what else do they need a permanent contract?” wonders Arjan Elbers of Recruiters United. If they need money, they accept temporary jobs and, on the other hand, permanent contracts anyway no longer offers the certainty of being able to buy a house. So why get involved, many think.
The apps are online bulletin boards where companies can list individual assignments; popular platforms among young people because they allow to adapt work to individual needs and do not force young people to give up social moments or to look for their “dream” job.
The problem is that traditional companies are not yet accustomed to this new way of working, according to Elbers. “Companies often think: Piet worked for us forty hours a week. When Piet retires, we will have to offer a vacancy for exactly the same position.” But the job market has changed and that’s often not the best way to go: “A 40-hour vacancy could be filled with freelancers, outside services or an internship,” says Elbers.
Many companies are pressing for the flexible model to no longer have to engage with workers, as happened with the HORECA during the pandemic.