Template-type: ReDif-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Somers, Melline
Author-workplace-name: RS: GSBE other - not theme-related research, ROA / Health, skills and inequality
Author-Name: Fleck, Lara
Author-workplace-name: ROA / Human capital in the region, RS: GSBE other - not theme-related research
Author-Name: Groot, Wim
Author-workplace-name: Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MGSoG, RS: CAPHRI - R2 - Creating Value-Based Health Care, Health Services Research
Author-Name: van Merode, Frits
Author-workplace-name: Faculteit FHML Centraal, RS: CAPHRI - R2 - Creating Value-Based Health Care
Title: The hidden reserve of nurses and teachers in the Netherlands
Abstract: Like in many other high-income countries, the Netherlands experiences significant staff shortages in both healthcare and education. The key shortage occupations in these sectors are nurses and teachers. Both occupations suffer from high retirements rates and encounter difficulties in attracting and retaining (early career) workers. Due to early attrition, both sectors accumulate considerable hidden reserves. In this study, we estimate the magnitude of these hidden reserves and explore directions for unlocking this untapped potential. We define the hidden reserve as individuals who obtained a nursing or teaching diploma, but are not employed in the healthcare or education sector. Our definition of the hidden reserve also encompasses the number of additional hours that part-time workers could supply to reach a full-time working week. Using registry data, we show that the hidden reserves among (former) nurses and teachers by far exceeds the current staff shortages. Our analysis of survey data reveals that inactive nurses and teachers perceive several working conditions more favorably than their active counterparts. Activating this hidden reserve could involve strategies such as reducing work pressure and providing greater control over working hours, salary, and autonomy.
Classification-JEL: j45,j81,j20,j30,i10,i20
Series: GSBE Research Memoranda
Creation-Date: 20241114
Number: 013
File-URL: https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ws/files/223838088/RM24013.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 1311760
Handle: Repec:unm:umagsb:2024013
DOI: 10.26481/umagsb.2024013