Staff shortages mean business is turning to automation
- 64 percent of firms in the Netherlands are experiencing staff shortages.
- In recent years, they have focused mainly on enhancing their appeal to potential employees.
- But in April 2026, the focus has shifted more to automation.
Almost two-thirds of firms are experiencing staff shortages, and most are now turning to automation as a means of addressing this issue. Large firms and firms in the information and communication sector are the most likely to be taking this approach. This is reported by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) based on the Netherlands Business Survey, conducted in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), the Economic Institute for the Construction Industry (EIB), MKB-Nederland and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW)..
For almost half of firms facing a shortage of staff (30 percent of all firms), increasing the use of automation – such as the use of robots or AI support – is the most important step being taken. A year ago, most firms said they were trying to attract more staff by providing a more attractive place to work. Now, large firms in particular are more likely to be turning to automation. Among smaller firms, they are more likely to report scaling back their production due to the staff shortage.
| Bedrijven | We are aiming for more automation (e.g. robots or AI support) (% of firms) | We are improving our appeal to prospective employees (higher salary etc.) (% of firms) | We are limiting our production/our range to what is available (% of firms) | We are bringing in more labour from abroad (% of firms) | Other (% of firms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total (excl. finance and utilities) | 29.7 | 24.9 | 14.7 | 9.9 | 9.8 |
| Small firms (5-49 workers) | 20.1 | 23.2 | 20.1 | 7.7 | 7.4 |
| Medium-sized firms (50-249 workers) | 28.1 | 26.1 | 15.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 |
| Large firms (250 or more workers) | 40.4 | 25.9 | 8.7 | 11.6 | 12.4 |
| 1) Respondents could select a maximum of two options. | |||||
Increase in automation in almost all sectors
Across almost all sectors of the economy, the proportion of firms focusing more on automation due to staff shortages has increased. Only in culture, sport and recreation has the share fallen. The largest increase (compared with last year) is in the information and communication sector. Automation is the preferred solution for staff shortages in this sector.
| Bedrijfstak | April 2026 (% of firms) | April 2025 (% of firms) |
|---|---|---|
| Total (excl. finance and utilities) | 29.7 | 24.7 |
| Information and communication | 44.1 | 28.5 |
| Business services | 35.6 | 28.8 |
| Wholesale and trade services | 32.4 | 29.6 |
| Construction | 31.1 | 25.2 |
| Manufacturing | 29.1 | 25.4 |
| Real estate activities | 28.2 | 19.9 |
| Transportation and storage | 27.9 | 25.4 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 27.5 | 26.2 |
| Retail (excl. cars) | 27.0 | 19.0 |
| Car trade and repairs | 19.8 | 18.0 |
| Accommodation and food services | 14.2 | 13.8 |
| Culture, sport and recreation | 13.1 | 17.7 |
In most sectors, the share of firms trying to enhance their attractiveness as employers has actually decreased. In the construction sector, 34 percent of firms report that they are taking this approach, the highest share of any sector, while firms in the information and communication sector are the least likely to be taking this approach, at 18 percent.
Increasing productivity as an alternative to hiring more staff
Businesses are focusing on improving their labour productivity due to the persistent tightness in the labour market. Over three-quarters of enterprises say they are taking steps to raise productivity within their company. 85 percent of large enterprises are taking this approach, and 71 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The steps they mention the most often are investing in technology and automation, and introducing more efficient processes. Among SMEs, firms are more likely to focus on optimising their existing working environment and facilities.
| Bedrijven | Investing in technology and automatisation (e.g. robots or AI support) (% of firms) | Implementation of more efficient working methods (% of firms) | Providing training and development for workers (% of firms) | Optimisation of working environment and facilities (% of firms) | Other (% of firms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total (excl. finance and utilities) | 40.4 | 39.3 | 22.9 | 22.4 | 4.7 |
| Small firms (5-49 workers) | 28 | 30.9 | 16.2 | 24.5 | 6.7 |
| Medium-sized firms (50-249 workers) | 39.8 | 41.7 | 25.2 | 24.9 | 3.7 |
| Large firms (250 or more workers) | 53.2 | 46.2 | 28.2 | 18.7 | 3.4 |
| 1) Respondents could select a maximum of two options. | |||||
A shortage of staff (30 percent) and external factors such as economic uncertainty (27 percent) are the main obstacles preventing firms from improving their productivity. Compared to a year ago, firms are more likely to identify economic uncertainty as an obstacle, while others mention high costs (14 percent) and a lack of innovative solutions (5 percent).