Two-thirds of Dutch businesses struggling with staff shortages, especially construction

Two-thirds of entrepreneurs face staff shortages. A shortage of labor is expected relatively often, particularly in large companies and the construction sector. Entrepreneurs are taking measures to deal with this, such as improving employment conditions or increasing productivity.

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported this based on a survey conducted in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and business organizations VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland.

Over six out of ten entrepreneurs in small businesses, where five to 50 people work, indicate that they are experiencing a shortage of staff, according to the statistics agency. This applies to two-thirds of entrepreneurs in medium-sized businesses (50 to 250 employees) and over seven out of ten entrepreneurs in large businesses (250 or more employees).

Entrepreneurs in large companies are therefore relatively often faced with staff shortages and are therefore more likely to take measures than SME entrepreneurs. Most choose to make employment conditions more attractive, such as a higher salary. This is followed by automation to compensate for the shortage of workers. Small businesses, in comparison, often choose to limit production to what is possible with the available capacity. This applies to almost one in five entrepreneurs.

CBS also reported that entrepreneurs in the construction sector struggle with staff shortages most often. This applies to eight out of ten of them. They also often take measures, in particular by improving employment conditions. In addition, almost a third of construction entrepreneurs have limited production. This share is higher than in any other sector, according to the statistics agency.

Because personnel is scarce, entrepreneurs more often choose ot improve and increase productivity. Over three-quarters indicate that they are taking measures, in particular in construction, retail, and industry. This includes investments in technology and automation.