SCP: Tight Labour Market May Lead to More Working Hours and Permanent Contracts
Work in NL | New Stardom
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Explore the Workplace Series
The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), a government-affiliated research body, reports that ongoing labour shortages may be pushing employers to offer more working hours and permanent contracts, especially in sectors such as home care and cleaning, where part-time and flexible work are common.
According to the report, women, young people, and people with a migration background are more frequently offered part-time or flexible contracts. These decisions, the report notes, often reflect employer assumptions rather than employee preferences.
SCP states that some employers are adjusting work schedules and accelerating the use of permanent contracts to help address staff shortages. While salary flexibility is limited by collective agreements, more attention is being paid to staff retention, including reducing absenteeism and preventing turnover.
The study also highlights a common misconception: that working more hours might not be financially worthwhile. According to earlier findings by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB), most part-time workers do benefit when they increase their hours. SCP recommends broader promotion of tools like the UrenWerkBerekenaar to support informed decisions.
Finally, SCP notes that employers and employees rarely discuss the option of increasing working hours, and encourages making this part of regular performance conversations.
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