Quarter of employers struggle with staff shortages, especially in construction
A TNO study indicates that one-quarter of Dutch employers struggle with staff shortages, which acts as a major barrier to innovation, especially in the construction and industrial sectors. Additionally, 22 percent of companies report that a lack of financial resources also limits their ability to improve products and services.
Research from the TNO institute reveals that one in four employers in the Netherlands currently struggles with staffing shortages, which significantly hinders their ability to innovate. This issue is particularly acute in the construction and industrial sectors, where approximately one-third of employers report difficulty finding necessary talent. Larger organizations with 250 or more employees are disproportionately affected, with 40 percent citing labor gaps as a primary barrier to updating their products, services, or internal processes. While the overall decline in innovation noted since 2010 has stabilized, progress remains stagnant due to these practical constraints.
Beyond labor shortages, financial limitations also pose a significant challenge for businesses, with 22 percent of all employers identifying a lack of funding as a hurdle. This financial strain is most prevalent within the agricultural, healthcare, ICT, and recreation industries. Despite these ongoing challenges, researchers noted that the long-term decline in corporate innovation has finally begun to plateau, though firms continue to grapple with fundamental operational obstacles.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
