How do you keep control of hiring when everything is changing faster and faster? Simple: with better data, strategic hiring becomes a lot easier. During Nevi and HeadFirst Group's 'Grip op Inhuur' event, experts shared their insights, figures and practical experiences. "Combining knowledge is now more important than ever," said Rutger Treffers, Commercial Director at HeadFirst Group.

Just before the event, the news arrived: Europe wants to spend as much as 800 billion more on defense. Purchasers know what that means. In an economy already at full throttle, it will only make the job market tighter.

During the 'Grip op Inhuur' event of Nevi Zuidwest & Noordwest and HeadFirst Group it became clear once again how strongly global developments affect the labor market. One of the 160 buyers present in the HeadFirst Group theater in Hoofddorp put it aptly: 'Earlier I did not see the link between our work and the daily news, but now I realize how much influence it has on our industry.'

Jolanda ten Hoeve, procurement and contract manager at ECT Rotterdam, also underlined the importance of that broad perspective: "As a professional, you have to understand what is going on worldwide and what effect that has on your organization. Agility has become even more important, especially with geopolitical tensions and labor market tightness."

By closely monitoring these changes and responding strategically to the tight labor market, buyers can not only meet challenges but also create new opportunities.

One hundred and sixty buyers gathered for an interactive afternoon organized by HeadFirst Group and Nevi Southwest and Northwest. How do you maintain control over hiring in a landscape where speed and flexibility are increasingly important? The presentations offered valuable insights and practical tools for buyers to keep an overview in a world that is changing rapidly.

What's going on in the hiring market?

First, the numbers, because all the presentations during the afternoon were solidly based on data. Geert-Jan Waasdorp, director and founder at Intelligence Group: "The labor market is still running at full speed. With a labor market participation rate of 85%, things are looking good." But, he warned, the market did reach its peak. "It's cooling off a bit."

Moreover, the job market is full of uncertainties. Think "black swans" - rare, unexpected events you can't predict. Trump? Russia?

But there is another problem, according to Waasdorp. Despite the mountain of data, much remains invisible, especially around flexible work. For example, he recently (only) discovered that all TNO and CBS surveys are only in Dutch.

And that while 25% of working people in the Netherlands do not speak Dutch. From ASML employees to Polish migrant workers - a sizeable group remains completely outside the statistics as a result.

Numbers that count

Of course it was also about the law DBA, false self-employment and the bill VBAR. According to Sem Overduin, manager Public Affairs of HeadFirst Group, there is no need to get into a cramp: "Make sure you have an up-to-date hiring policy and keep your documentation in order. Record clearly why you make certain choices. And involve the key people in your organization: make sure they have a good understanding of the process and legislation."

According to Waasdorp, the lifting of the enforcement moratorium on the DBA law particularly affects the public sector. "There have never been so few public contracts."

Another striking trend in the freelance and secondment market: "In no sector is the wage gap as small as here. Entrepreneurship here seems to go hand in hand with emancipation." said Waasdorp.

How well organized is your external hiring?

Advisor on external hiring Paul Oldenburg held up a mirror to the buyers present during the day: how well is your external hiring regulated?

Too often the focus is on the short term, processes are inefficient and clear rate agreements are lacking. Oldenburg clearly showed how to approach sourcing strategy in a smarter way. How do you improve the sourcing strategy? How do you make clear agreements with agencies? How do you work together more efficiently and avoid risks?

Smarter hiring is not just about cost savings. A well thought-out hiring policy also ensures continuity and compliancy.

Strong asset - global data

In the afternoon, attendees could choose from several in-depth sessions. One zoomed in on the staffing industry: how do you combine continuity and flexibility without high costs? And how do you work smartly with your supplier in doing so?

Edward Norg, Randstad's operations director, gave a clear answer:
"We often only look at the rate, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The real profit is underneath: less turnover and absenteeism, lower induction costs, effective pool management - a flexible group of employees that moves with customer demand - and smart data analysis."

 

Data-driven hiring strategy

During the workshop on the ICT hiring segment, HeadFirst Group dived into the power of a dynamic tiering structure. Which data points are really decisive when managing suppliers? The answer lies in a strategic approach. "Hiring is not a matter of ad hoc decisions, but of data-driven optimization," says Sam van de Kreeke. "By formulating clear business objectives in advance and continuously testing them against relevant data - such as rates, conversion and turnaround times - you will attract the right suppliers and increase the effectiveness of your hiring policy," adds Boy Kies.

Changes in global economy and labor market

"With data, companies can spot fluctuations and trends early and respond accordingly," said Lex van der Giessen of recruitment agency Sonsbach and one of the invitees.

"Yet the current global economy and geopolitical situation do not make it any easier," he adds. "Despite increasingly deep insights, sudden disruptions can have a major impact - both economically and in the labor market."

The key? Agility. Van der Giessen "A flexible shell makes your organization more resilient. Companies that work exclusively with permanent employees have less clout. Flexible workers actually offer the opportunity to adjust quickly and attract the right people at the right time."

Jolanda ten Hoeve, procurement and contract manager at ECT Rotterdam: "It was a very fascinating event, especially because the presentations were largely based on interesting numerical underpinnings. That gave a nice factual picture of the developments in the labor market."

SOURCE: ZiPconomy

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Sem Overduin
Public Policy & Affairs Manager
Sem.Overduin@headfirst.nl

Oifik Youssefi
Public Affairs Officer
Oifik.Youssefi@headfirst.nl

Maaike van Driel
Head of Legal
Maaike.vanDriel@headfirst.group

Thomas ten Veldhuijs
Senior Legal Counsel
Thomas.tenVeldhuijs@headfirst.nl