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
PublisherMaastricht University, Graduate School of Business and Economics
Number of pages27
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Nov 2024

Publication series

SeriesGSBE Research Memoranda
Number013
ISSN2666-8807

JEL classifications

  • j45 - Public Sector Labor Markets
  • j81 - Labor Standards: Working Conditions
  • j20 - Demand and Supply of Labor: General
  • j30 - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs: General
  • i10 - Health: General
  • i20 - Education and Research Institutions: General

Keywords

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

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The hidden reserve of nurses and teachers in the Netherlands'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this