Workers in the Netherlands change jobs less often due to economic uncertainty

A survey conducted by the Dutch employers’ association AWVN has revealed that workers in the Netherlands are more cautious about changing jobs during the current economic climate. As the rise in the number of jobs continues to slow, changes in the labour market are expected in the coming years.

Staff turnover in the Netherlands declines

Based on a survey among around 150 large companies and institutions in the Netherlands, the AWVN sees that in several sectors keeping staff has become easier. Global tensions, like those caused by US President Donald Trump’s policies, have caused economic uncertainty in the country and others.

This, together with more company closures, has resulted in a “cooling of the labour market”, which has made employers and employees more cautious. Workers are more likely to remain with their current employers, and for this reason, staff turnover is decreasing.

In companies which lose their staff, it is usually due to more favourable employment conditions, growth opportunities and flexible working hours. Despite the easing pressure on the labour market, eight in ten employers are still experiencing a worker shortage, especially in the search for employees with an MBO diploma and work experience. There is a particular shortage in jobs related to technology, production, and information and communication technology (ICT). 

Job growth in the Netherlands stalls

Another effect of economic uncertainties is that the creation of new jobs will slow from 2025 to 2027, reports the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). Between the years of 2020 and 2022, the number of jobs grew by around 600.000 and by 300.000 from 2022 to 2024.

From 2024 to 2027, these numbers are set to drop further to just 100.000 new jobs. As it becomes more expensive to run a business due to rising wages, pricier transport and raw materials, employers are more reluctant to take on more staff. “We are seeing caution on the part of employers, particularly in the chemical and electrotechnical industries and in transport and storage,” UWV spokesperson Rob Witjes told NOS.

Some sectors, like those involving information and communication, and healthcare, among others, will still see a rise in the demand for workers, while others in agriculture and wholesale are expected to see further declines.