Dutch hospitality industry faces staff shortages as young professionals exit sector
The Dutch hospitality sector is struggling with a persistent shortage of workers, largely because it is difficult to retain trained young professionals, according to a report from ABN AMRO. This shortage has reportedly led some restaurants and hotels to close temporarily due to a lack of staff.
While many young people work in hospitality, most are students or schoolchildren between 15 and 25 years old who hold part-time jobs with limited hours. These workers often have flexible contracts and are employed on an on-call basis. After finishing their education, many quickly leave the sector.
Last year, over 58 percent of hospitality workers were between 15 and 25 years old, a notable increase from just over 50 percent in 2015. However, the number of workers aged 25 to 35, who often have mbo or hbo qualifications and have chosen hospitality as a career, has decreased sharply. ABN AMRO identifies this group as the skilled professionals who ensure continuity and quality in the industry. In 2015, they made up nearly 19 percent of the workforce; last year, that figure dropped to just over 12 percent. The report calls this decline worrying.
The proportion of mbo (levels 2 to 4), hbo, and university-educated workers in hospitality is lower than in other sectors. ABN AMRO says young people lack a clear career perspective in hospitality. Over the past five years, the number of students enrolling in hospitality and hospitality management programs has dropped by 15 percent.