Staff shortage in 2026: how companies can prevent it
The labor market remains tight and many companies experience the consequences on a daily basis: vacancies that remain open for a long time, high workloads and difficulty in finding the right people. In 2026, this challenge is not getting any smaller, especially in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and engineering. Yet there are ways to reduce the impact of staff shortages. Companies that think ahead, recruit flexibly and invest in their employees remain agile and competitive. In this blog, read how you as an employer can reduce staff shortages - with practical, immediately applicable tips.
Invest in skills rather than degrees
The biggest shift in the job market is the focus on skills rather than degrees. By selecting candidates on skills such as accuracy, technical acumen, motivation or communication skills, you significantly increase your talent pool. This is called skills-based hiring and is in line with modern recruitment methods. Read more about this on our page recruitment and selection.
Ensure strong onboarding
One of the most underrated factors in employee retention is onboarding. The first few weeks determine how someone feels in a new position. Good guidance, clear expectations and a warm welcome ensure that employees are productive faster and stay longer. Those who want to know how to help employees land well will find inspiration in our apply-guide, where the candidate side is also highlighted in detail.
Offer flexibility whenever possible
Flexibility is one of the main desires of modern workers. Think variable working hours, choice of shifts or opportunities to work part-time. Companies with flexible schedules are more likely to attract new employees and keep their current teams happy. For employees who are new to the Netherlands, flexibility can also help combine work with practical matters, as you can read on our page live in the Netherlands.
Work with a reliable staffing partner
A strong staffing partner helps companies move faster and maintain continuous staffing. By accessing a larger talent pool, screening, scheduling and mentoring, employers can reduce the pressure on their own HR team. Learn more about flexible deployment support at temporary staffing.
Provide advancement opportunities
Employees stay longer when they see perspective. Internal training, job broadening or advancement paths make your organization more attractive than competitors. Moreover, further training increases employee employability, making you less susceptible to labor market shortages.
Communicate clearly and honestly
A transparent communication culture creates engagement. Employees who know where they stand feel more confident and motivated. Engaged employees stay longer - and that automatically reduces your staff shortage.
Smart hiring: think 3 steps ahead
Staff shortages are hard to solve in the moment. Companies that plan ahead, nurture talent and learn to respond to market trends have a distinct advantage. By investing in recruitment, development and a healthy work culture, you build an organization that is ready for the future.
Want to know which profiles are most available right now?
Then check our jobs page to see which positions match your staffing needs or to find out which profiles are currently showing a lot of interest in the job market.
