COUNTRY SEARCH:
Netherlands
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Ecuador
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Morocco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • Türkiye
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Vietnam
  • Recruitment landscape
  • Economic indicators
  • Labor market
  • Working life
Country shape nl

Your global agency guide to...

Netherlands

The Netherlands, with a GDP of $1.12 trillion, ranks as the 17th largest economy globally. Key industries include agroindustries, metal and engineering products, and chemicals. With a stable working population, the unemployment rate at 3.6% indicates a robust labor market. The country hosts a competitive talent sourcing environment with numerous specialized recruitment agencies. The relatively balanced gender participation in the workforce reflects strong gender equality, but an aging population suggests future labor market challenges.

Netherlands'S

AGENCY LANDSCAPE

13K

Agencies operating in Netherlands

A high number of agencies indicates a mature recruitment industry, marked by strong talent demand, established labor laws and economic stability.

15-20%

Typical fee range

Countries with higher fees imply finding talent is harder to find whilst lower fees indicate a high-volume, commoditized market.

Netherlands'S

FEATURED AGENCIES

Randstad

CERTO B.V.

Get featured here

Netherlands'S

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) RATING

17

WORLD RANKED

Netherlands ranks 17th in the world by current economic output

$1.1T

NOMINAL GDP (US$)

GDP reflects the overall size and economic strength of the country’s economy.

7

EMEA RANKED

Netherlands is the 7th biggest GDP in EMEA out of 109 countries in the region

GDP GROWTH (%)

The above chart compares how Netherlands's GDP has grown, compared to the rest of the world and the EMEA region in the last 7 years.
Positive growth indicates an expanding economy, while negative growth or recession signifies economic contraction. Strong growth can encourage hiring, but slower growth might lead to freezes or layoffs, influencing talent sourcing as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and demands.

Netherlands'S

CURRENCY AND CODE

Country currency

NLD

Country ISO code

Netherlands'S

INFLATION RATE

2.7%

CURRENT RATE

▼1.4% REDUCTION

Inflation represents the rate at which prices rise and purchasing power diminishes. High inflation may prompt employees to seek higher wages, potentially impacting company profitability. This situation could lead to budget constraints or hiring freezes, which might influence talent availability and sourcing strategies.


Netherlands'S

COST OF LIVING

COST OF LIVING INDEX EXPLAINED

The cost of living has a direct impact on salary expectations and the competitiveness of compensation packages. It can influence the appeal of certain locations-while high-cost areas may attract highly skilled professionals looking for higher salaries, lower-cost areas can appeal to companies looking to minimize salary expenses or candidates seeking a better work-life balance.

Netherlands'S

LABOUR STATISTICS

18M

POPULATION

With a population of 17,590,672, Netherlands is a medium sized country by global standards. Netherlands's youth population is just below the world average, indicating it may face challenges in labor market sustainability over time. The working population in Netherlands is close to the world average, suggesting a stable labor market that can adequately meet the economy's demands. Netherlands's elderly population is just above the world average, suggesting a growing dependency ratio, which may strain the labor market.

Netherlands'S

RELIGION

Religion

In religiously diverse countries, a broad sourcing and engagement approach whilst appealing to inclusive practices resonates with this candidate market. In contrast, in a homogeneous religious environment, understanding dominant cultural norms is often more important when engaging with talent.

Netherlands'S

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

3.6%

CURRENT PERCENTAGE

▲0.04% INCREASE

Netherlands's unemployment rate is healthy, indicating a well functioning labor market with good job opportunities for most people. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a small increase in unemployment, suggesting continued economic stability, with a slight dip in job availability

Netherlands'S

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES

Top performing companies

Ahold Delhaize
Stellantis
Airbus

Top industries

Chemicals
Petroleum
Agroindustries

Netherlands'S

GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS

RATIO OF MALES TO FEMALES (BY AGE)

LABOUR PARTICIPATION BY GENDER (%)

70 / 62

Male | Female

In Netherlands there is a low gap in participation rates between males and females, indicating a relatively balanced workforce particpation often reflective of strong gender equality policies or cultural norms supportive of equal gender parity.

Netherlands'S

WORKING LIFE

$55K

Average gross annual wage (US$)

This figure represents yearly income before taxes. Higher wage countries are above $50,000 USD. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average compensation may be required for in-demand skills.

$4.6K

Average gross monthly wage (US$)

This figure represents monthly income before taxes. Higher-wage countries typically exceed $4,000 USD per month. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average monthly compensation may be necessary for in-demand skills.

Netherlands'S

WORKING LIFE

7DAYS

Minimum annual holidays

Minimum annual holidays reflect mandated leave. Hiring in countries with high allowances (over 25 days) will require emphasizing work-life balance when recruiting. In countries with fewer holidays (under 15 days), offering additional leave can enhance recruitment and set the organization apart.

40HRS

Average working full time week

Overtime pay isn't required by law. Typical work hours are 8 per day and 40 per week, with the standard workweek running Monday to Friday.

Netherlands'S

TOP BENEFITS

16WEEKS

Maternity leave

Netherlands offers 16 weeks paid maternity, 20 for multiples, with 4-6 weeks before birth. Paternity leave is 5 days paid. 26x weekly hours parental leave, first 9 weeks at 70% pay.

2YEARS

Sick leave

Employers must pay sick employees 70% of their last salary for up to 2 years, capped at 70% of the maximum daily wage. The first year includes at least the statutory minimum wage; often contracts offer 70% or 100% of the full salary in the 1st year and a possible cap in the 2nd.

COUNTRY SEARCH

Explore hiring in new countries