The mismatch between business and talent is growing

The mismatch between talents and the business community in the Netherlands is growing. Skills of professionals are less suited to the demand for skills from employers compared to last year. This is evident from the Global Skills Index of recruitment expert Hays. 

The index figure went from a 5.3 to a 5.9. That is higher than the norm (5). The trend is not only visible in the Netherlands, but also in the rest of Europe there are more and more vacancies and people are looking for work longer. France, Luxembourg and Spain in particular have major problems matching supply and demand. Neighboring countries Belgium and Germany experience the least problems, but an upward trend is also visible there.

Dutch programs also find less connections

Furthermore, the Global Skills Index shows that Dutch programs are increasingly less capable of responding to the needs of the labor market. The index rose from 4.7 to 4.8. This means that the education system has become less flexible to keep up with changes and make adjustments where necessary. Certainly in the field of technological developments such as artificial intelligence. The Netherlands is doing well compared to other European countries. In Ireland and Switzerland, the education system is even better geared to changes in the labor market. Sweden and Hungary experience the most inflexibility and problems.

Work preppers for construction sought after

The most wanted profiles are still Software Engineers and Account Managers. Just like last year, they are in the top five. In addition, there is a great demand for Project Leads, Customer Service professionals and construction planners. After a few slower years, construction is on the rise again. Many construction companies have vacancies that are difficult to fill, including for work planners. These occupations will also increase in demand this year.

Robert van Veggel, Managing Director at Hays Nederland, said: “Worldwide, there is an increasing gap between the skills that talents possess and the skills that employers are looking for. The problem is expected to become even greater in the future. In particular, technologies such as artificial intelligence develop so quickly that it is a challenge to get people trained quickly and properly. It is essential that companies invest in training, so that employees can play new roles. Personal development and retraining are important solutions for this ever-growing mismatch."

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