The tech industry in the Netherlands continues to demonstrate robust growth and resilience in 2023, and has maintained its position as a leading tech hub in Europe, with a thriving ecosystem of startups, established tech companies, and innovative research institutions.
The Dutch government has shown a strong commitment to fostering technological advancements through various initiatives and investment programs including NXTGEN HIGHTECH, led by key Dutch accelerators like Holland High Tech, TNO, and FME. Alongside universities and regional agencies, they plan to inject €1 billion into establishing the Netherlands as Europe’s foremost high-tech cluster over the next seven years. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster 260 participating companies, with a majority being SMEs (190) and startups (70), providing crucial funding to advance and scale their innovative solutions.
Additionally, the economy of the Netherlands as a whole remains stable, with a diverse range of industries contributing to its strength. This favorable economic backdrop bodes well for young professionals considering a career in the tech sector. They can expect a job market that offers ample opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. Moreover, the Netherlands’ reputation for work-life balance and high quality of life adds an extra allure for young talent entering the tech industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainable technologies, and digital transformation, the tech sector in the Netherlands is poised to remain a dynamic and promising field for young professionals in 2023. But how do this year’s young tech workers in the country feel about their career prospects and workplace experiences?
The Netherlands was one of the participating countries of the study which surveyed 2000 respondents from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, France, and Spain. These were some of the key takeaways regarding the young generation in tech (YGIT) in the Netherlands, where thousands of young tech workers are employed by software and internet companies.
Key Takeaways
- Exceptionally high levels of job satisfaction despite low levels of confidence in macroeconomic indicators
- A strong desire for work-life-balance underpinned by preference for freedom to choose between work models
- A particular affinity for working in startups that are at the forefront of groundbreaking technology
- A noticeable trend towards a preference for working in the office
- Anticipating AI will have a positive impact on roles and productivity
1. Young Dutch Tech Professionals Thrive With High Job Satisfaction and Security
In the vibrant landscape of the Dutch tech industry, young professionals exude a commendable level of job satisfaction and a sense of security in their roles. A mere 18% express any dissatisfaction, while 44% said they were very satisfied, and 38% stated they were somewhat satisfied in their current positions. This surge in gratification is paralleled by improved workplace experience, with 52% asserting that their these aligned with their initial expectations up from 43% in 2022. Impressively, over a quarter of respondents (27%) reveal that their current professional journey exceeds expectations (mirroring last year’s result), signifying an environment that has maintained equivalency in employee experience year over year.
The overall sentiment this year is one of job security, as nearly half of the respondents (48%) express a steadfast belief in the stability of their positions; this represents a huge jump from 2022 when it was at 27%. However, it’s worth noting that a notable segment still remains uncertain, with 27% unable to definitively state their position on job security, still considerably down from 43% in 2022. Conversely, a quarter (25%) harbor concerns about the security of their roles, however this is down from 30% last year, indicative of overall improvements in this vital aspect of professional life.
In terms of career progression, a noteworthy 46% claim at least one promotion in the last 24 months, illustrating a culture of recognition and opportunity within their organizations. Yet, it’s worth pointing out that almost a quarter (23%) have not been promoted within the same period, revealing a diverse range of career trajectories among this cohort. Finally, a dynamic subset stands out, as 8% boast the receipt of three or more promotions within the past two years.
The economic downturn has cast a significant shadow over the aspirations and trajectories of young Dutch tech professionals. According to the study, 36% acknowledge that the economic downturn has not affected their interest in the tech industry and further well over a quarter (28%) still have confidence in the industry for career progression. Only 11% cite having no confidence in the tech industry in 2024.
However a total of 67% expressed having either no (39%) or almost no (28%) confidence in the overall performance of their respective companies and prevailing state of the market. This sentiment underscores the fear that permeates the industry, potentially influencing decision-making and strategic planning within their organizations. Yet it is striking to observe that despite this concern, overall job satisfaction and feelings about job security have not been compromised.
This resilience may stem from a combination of factors including a commitment to their roles, a recognition of the industry’s inherent dynamism and the adaptability of these professionals in the face of adversity.
The juxtaposition of unease and stability illuminates the complex interplay between external economic forces and the individual determination of these young Dutch professionals to navigate through turbulent waters, emerging perhaps more resilient and resourceful in the process.
Overall, the statistics affirm a flourishing and contented community of young Dutch tech professionals, grounded in a strong sense of job satisfaction and security. This optimistic backdrop, coupled with a culture of recognition and growth supports the agility and promise of the Dutch tech industry.
2. Enriched Benefits Landscape is Pivotal for Young Dutch Tech Professionals
Young tech professionals in the Netherlands are reaping a host of benefits beyond pay and compensation, painting a picture of a forward-thinking and employee-centric landscape in the country. The most common benefits offered by Dutch companies are health, family benefits such as fertility treatments and internal mobility opportunities, indicating a corporate commitment to the holistic wellbeing of employees as well as professional development. This not only signifies a proactive approach to employee health but also acknowledges the importance of a thriving, motivated workforce.
Companies are also providing personal budgets for learning and development (15% respondents said they received this) and next most common additional benefit with 13% of respondents were getting extra pension payments. The provision of stock options from day one (for 12%) further exemplifies an industry-wide dedication to empowering young professionals, offering them a stake in the long-term success of their respective companies.
More broadly, two fifths (41%) said they were very satisfied with the benefits package provided by their employers and 41% stated being somewhat satisfied. This high level of contentment indicates a strategic alignment between the offerings of Dutch tech companies and the preferences of their young workforce.
When it comes to the most valued workplace benefits, the top threes responses were being able to work from anywhere for a period of time (13%), having a fully remote work model (13%), a budget for learning and development (12%) and that the company be financially secure (11%). These findings indicate a strong desire for work-life balance and the freedom to structure their professional lives according to individual preferences coupled with the desire for continual growth and up skilling in secure roles.
These statistics find themselves in the context of the most valued benefits, revealing an emphasis on autonomy and flexibility.
The intersection of these results suggests an industry attuned to the evolving needs of its workforce, committed to creating an environment that supports both personal and professional development. In this setting the young generation in tech in the Netherlands are not just employees, but active stakeholders in an ecosystem that prioritizes their wellbeing, growth and long-term success.
3. Young Dutch Tech Workers Prioritize Responsibility and Management Opportunities When Considering Job Changes
A fifth (19%) of Dutch Gen Z and millennials working in tech express an inclination towards seeking greater responsibility and management opportunities as a key factor that might lead them to consider moving companies. It highlights an ambitious drive for career advancement. The next most popular incentive to consider alternative jobs (with 16%) is that of an increased compensation package.
Conversely the factors that contribute to their decision to remain with their current employers are aligned with their aspirations for growth and progression. Almost a quarter (22%) emphasize the importance of a competitive compensation package, signaling its importance as a retention tool. This is followed by a promotion (17%) and job security written into a contract (15%).
Interestingly, a dynamic talent landscape is reflected in the frequency with which young Dutch tech professionals are approached by other companies. A notable 29% report being contacted by prospective employers at least once in the past 6-12 months, demonstrating a keen interest from external parties in their skill sets and expertise. Impressively, an equivalent 29% state they receive such inquiries on a monthly basis, indicating a competitive market where these professionals are sought after assets.
When it comes to the aspects they appreciate the most about their current workplaces, in the top spot, 18% attribute their contentment to their roles and what they do suggesting a sense of purpose derived from their professional contributions, and following closely behind, 17% cite their immediate teams underlining the importance of a supportive and collaborative environment.
On the flip side, areas for improvement with their current companies are also discernible. Fifteen percent express a need for a clearer path, indicating a desire for transparent growth trajectories. Furthermore 13% point to a perceived deficit in positive company culture, somewhat confirming the pivotal role organizational ethos places in their overall job satisfaction.
In joint third most selected responses are the relationship with managers and below par compensation packages at 12% each.
When it comes to their ideal workplace, the majority of respondents prefer working for companies with potential financial growth, as indicated by the popularity of options such as those heading towards an IPO (16%). Secure compensation and career development (14%) are also valued, along with the appeal of leading tech brands (13%).
These insights into their ideal workplace preferences unveil a diverse spectrum of aspirations, ranging from a hunger for innovation to a calculated consideration of long-term stability and career advancement opportunities. It indicates the depth of consideration and strategic thinking that young tech professionals in The Netherlands invest in their career choices, painting a portrait of a discerning and forward-thinking workforce.
This cohort exhibits a keen sense of commitment and a discerning eye for their ideal work environments. Well over a quarter (27%) of respondents had no intention of leaving their companies in 2023 and more – 30% – express a strong intention to remain with their current companies for the foreseeable future. This high retention rate speaks volumes about the contentment and satisfaction these professionals derive from their current roles. However it’s important to note that 22% intended to leave in 2023 and 24% have plans to change jobs in 2024 a indicating a consistent level of job mobility among the respondents over the past two years.
4. Tech-Forward and Balanced: The Holistic Work Experience of Dutch Millennials and Gen Z
This group of respondents indicates a generation of young tech workers navigating a landscape of diverse work models, each with its unique impact on their preferences, work-life balance, and mental wellbeing. Notably, the largest segment of these professionals (35%) benefit from the flexibility offered by a hybrid work model that required them only to go into the office once per week. Just over a quarter (25%) each adhere to a more traditional structure, clocking in 5 days a week in the office and an even split hybrid model that requires them to go to the office between 2-3 days per week, respectively.
Interestingly, an impressive 42% express heightened motivation and engagement when working from the office, highlighting the tangible benefits of a physical workspace for their productivity and job satisfaction.
When presented with the choice between a four-day office week, a five-day hybrid schedule or fully remote, an overwhelming 61% of Dutch young professionals in the tech sector lean towards working mostly from the office. Meanwhile 44% find their work-life balance to be better than anticipated, while nearly a third (29%) believe it strikes the right chord. A minority of only 13% find it to be worse than expected, suggesting a generally positive experience in this regard.
In terms of mental health, a comparable number of respondents express varying degrees of impact from their roles. About 30% acknowledge it has somewhat impacted them, while 29% state that their roles haven’t significantly affected their mental wellbeing. Notably, a concerning 20% do admit to being very much impacted by the pressures of their role. This balanced distribution indicates a conscientious approach to mental health, with young Dutch tech professionals proactively managing their work-related stressors.
This is mitigated by feeling trusted to do their jobs (14%) and having manageable workloads (12%) followed by attesting to having the necessary resources (11%) and being rewarded for extra efforts, reflecting a supportive work environment. It is evident that these supportive measures play a central role in controlling stress triggers and contribute to a positive work experience for these young professionals. Overall, the intersection of flexible work models, a conducive work-life balance, and a proactive approach to mental health underscores a holistic and considerate work culture that prioritizes the wellbeing and productivity of these professionals.
5. Tech Pioneers Embrace AI: Anticipating Positive Impact on Roles and Productivity
When probed about the anticipated impact of AI, a substantial 43% of respondents anticipate a medium-level effect, while a not inconsequential 27% foresee a substantial and transformative influence on their responsibilities.
There is an encouraging level of confidence that AI will be an asset, enhancing their ability to perform their roles with greater proficiency and effectiveness. Twenty-eight percent believe AI will make them more productive and 27% say it will help stimulate creativity. Furthermore, a respectable 15% firmly believe that AI will make them more efficient. This multifaceted perspective underscores a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach among young Dutch tech workers, who are not only receptive to the integration of AI but also foresee its positive impact in bolstering their professional capabilities.
6. One-Third of Tech Employers in the Netherlands Prioritize Inclusive and Equitable Practices in the Workplace
Dutch tech workers find themselves in environments where DEI&B is actively championed. For 14%, this is reflected in the presence of diverse leadership, a clear signal that their companies prioritise representation and value varied perspectives at the highest levels. Additionally, 13% experience the celebration of diversity through dedicated days or months organised by their employers, indicating a proactive effort to recognise and honor the richness of diverse backgrounds.
Moreover, 12% benefit from policies that prioritize gender neutrality as well access to gender neutral facilities, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. A reassuringly low 3% reported that their companies do not actively practice inclusivity, highlighting that a substantial majority are engaged in fostering environments where everyone can thrive. This substantial commitment to DEI&B in the Dutch tech sector is a powerful testament to the industry’s dedication to creating spaces that are truly inclusive for all.
The Netherlands, as a nation, has emerged as a flagbearer of inclusivity and DEI&B, setting the stage for progressive workplace environments. These statistics collectively paint a vivid picture of the tech landscape in The Netherlands that is not only aware of the critical importance of this practice but is also taking tangible steps to embed inclusivity into the very fabric of their workplaces.
Summary and Conclusions
This research reveals a workforce deeply invested in their careers, with job satisfaction high and a majority seeing long-term prospects within their current companies. Pay and benefits, while important, are balanced with a keen interest in professional development opportunities.
The findings underscore a workforce that values flexibility with two-fifths preferring a fully remote work model and over a third citing they preferred a work-from-anywhere model.
To retain high performers, companies in the Netherlands must prioritize purpose-driven workplaces and provide necessary resources for growth and wellbeing. They also need to retain fully flexible work models despite the trend towards office-based work.
Dutch tech professionals display a forward-thinking attitude towards technology and its integration into their roles as well as a strong belief in the potential of AI. This suggests businesses should accelerate AI integration to gain a competitive edge.
Additionally, their commitment to DEI initiatives and prioritizing mental health highlight a conscientious approach to a supportive work culture. Overall, these insights illuminate a dynamic and engaged young tech workforce, poised to shape the future of the industry in the Netherlands.