Organizations continue to struggle worldwide with finding employees with the right knowledge and skills. The shortage of the right professionals for high tech companies remains high in most countries. The shortages of employees in the Netherlands continues to grow. The flow of highly educated migrants may provide a solution, according to the Hays Global Skills Index, published for the sixth consecutive year by Hays and Oxford Economics. The report addresses the challenges in the global labor market and 33 local markets, including the Netherlands.
Situation of the Netherlands unchanged
The pressure in the Dutch labor market is unchanged from the last year. The number of vacancies has increased due to the growing economy. Nevertheless, there is a mismatch between demand and supply of talent that leaves behind further growth.
The mismatch also causes increased wage pressure in the highly skilled sectors. The Dutch labor market continues to be detrimental to the continued aging population. For example, the UN (United Nations) predicts a 0.5% drop in the labor force between 2015 and 2020 and 1.8% between 2020 and 2025.
Unrest flexible labor market inhibits development
According to Robert van Veggel, Managing Director of Hays Netherlands, the number of vacancies for the third year in a row rose in the past year. Specialist niche markets struggle with an ever-increasing shortage of talent, while other markets benefit from a more favorable labor market and feel less busy.
"Unrest and uncertainty about the flexible labor market is taking a long time and unbalances the development of a labor market," says Van Veggel.
Streaming migrants lowers pressure
The flow of trained migrants has contributed to a fall in labor market pressure. It has been the first time since the report was published that the global index continues to decline.
The UN estimates that 244 million people (3.3% of total world population) currently live elsewhere than their homeland. The data from the Index also shows that 29% of migrants in the European Union are highly educated; an increase of 3% compared to 2011. Although the aging of the labor market is noticeable, the supply of professionals seems to grow by 1.1 million due to migration.
Training for changes
As the supply of skilled workers stays stable, companies can focus more on necessary training because of technological change.
The rise of technology and automation helps increase productivity and makes flex working more effective. In addition, innovations and technology can lead to new jobs and opportunities. Employers should therefore give priority to the right training and to ensure that their employees are used as optimally as possible.
Translated by Asta Kerkhoven
Source:
https://www.personeelsnet.nl/bericht/bedrijven-hebben-hoogopgeleide-migranten-nodig-om-vergrijzing-op-te-vangen