Abstract

Like in many other high-income countries, the Netherlands experiences significant staff shortages in both healthcare and education. The key shortage occupations in these sectors are nurses and teachers. Both occupations suffer from high retirements rates and encounter difficulties in attracting and retaining (early career) workers. Due to early attrition, both sectors accumulate considerable hidden reserves. In this study, we estimate the magnitude of these hidden reserves and explore directions for unlocking this untapped potential. We define the hidden reserve as individuals who obtained a nursing or teaching diploma, but are not employed in the healthcare or education sector. Our definition of the hidden reserve also encompasses the number of additional hours that part-time workers could supply to reach a full-time working week. Using registry data, we show that the hidden reserves among (former) nurses and teachers by far exceeds the current staff shortages. Our analysis of survey data reveals that inactive nurses and teachers perceive several working conditions more favorably than their active counterparts. Activating this hidden reserve could involve strategies such as reducing work pressure and providing greater control over working hours, salary, and autonomy.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationMaastricht
PublisherROA
Number of pages28
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Oct 2024

Publication series

SeriesROA Research Memoranda
Number004E
ISSN2666-8823

JEL classifications

  • j45 - Public Sector Labor Markets
  • j81 - Labor Standards: Working Conditions

Keywords

  • Labour shortage
  • teachers
  • nurses
  • employee turnover
  • hours of work

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