Labor Shortage Was the Top 2023 Challenge for Dutch Business Leaders
Press Release | December, 2023
Our survey of industry leaders saw almost one in three respondents (31%) pointing at the labor shortage as their most pressing challenge. Following the lack of available or qualified personnel are capital, costs, and technology-related issues. The survey was conducted by software developer Klippa, among a diverse group of top-tier decision-makers, to shed light on the priorities of the Dutch business community.
In today’s business environment, we’re facing a multitude of challenges. I’ve personally witnessed the struggle to find new talent as our company grows. To me, it’s no surprise that almost one-third of the Dutch top executives we surveyed felt the same way. The need for fresh talent in these demanding times is very high
Coming in closely on the second spot of executives’ top 2023 challenges is a ‘lack of capital for investments’, indicated as the main problem by 25% of respondents. ‘Rising costs’ was seen as the primary concern by 11% of all research participants, completing the podium.
Among other specified problems were digital transformation difficulties, sustainability issues, slow or limited company growth, and delayed sales. Respondents of Klippa’s Business Executive Survey represent various companies with estimated yearly revenues starting from under $2.5M (22%) and up to $500M – $1B or more (14%).
Executive solutions to navigate challenges
The results of the survey confirm recent numbers shared by the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency UWV. As they point out – most regions and professions in the Netherlands face increased tension and a very tight labor market. Because of it, companies are dealing with a variety of problems including but not limited to high employee turnover and competition for talent.
In Klippa’s research, decision-makers shared knowledge solutions such as partnering up with universities, finding innovative ways to reach the workforce, increasing employee retention, as well as intelligent automation.
A lack of capital for investments was the second most indicated challenge and raises additional problems in an already labor-affected market. Survey participants mentioned solutions such as debt and equity raising, crowdfunding, and organic growth. “This is exactly why knowledge sharing is valuable – it enables organizations to solve problems through tested solutions. A great way to collaborate, help prevent effort duplication, and instead drive progress and growth”, Yeelen Knegtering added.
About the research
The C-Level Insights Survey was conducted on a diverse group of C-level decision-makers representing companies that are either Dutch or professionally connected to the Netherlands. The majority of respondents are CEO’s (60%), followed by CTO’s (11%), CFO’s (9%), and other C-suite executives. They work across 18 industries, in organizations of all sizes: from small to medium-sized businesses and up to world-renowned corporations.
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Catalin Radu – PR Lead
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