Addressing labour shortages sustainably

Want to know how you as an organisation can contribute to solving the issue of shortage occupations? Discover how an approach focused on wellbeing, prevention and reactivation helps to address labour shortages and contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace. IDEWE supports you with targeted advice, tools and training courses.

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What is a shortage occupation?

A shortage occupation is an occupation that is structurally in short supply of suitable candidates. Under the labour deal, sectors must identify these professions every two years and take measures to combat the shortage. The causes vary: physically demanding tasks, low intake or high absenteeism rates due to long-term absence.

You can find the most recent list of shortage occupations at VDAB.be.

Wellbeing and shortage occupations: how are they related?

The aim of the labour deal is to improve the wellbeing of employees by ensuring a better work-life balance. Increased employee well-being can mitigate the problem of shortage occupations  In addition to a mismatch between supply and demand, the high rates of long-term sickness absence  are also an important factor in this.

Employees in shortage occupations often struggle with heavy physical or psychological strain. Examples include:

  • nursing experts with musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive work.
  • truck drivers with health risks due to a sedentary lifestyle.
  • construction workers who regularly lift heavy loads or work in unfavourable conditions.

Reactivation of long-term absentees is crucial: reintegration increases employee potential and reduces pressure on existing employees, and a wellbeing-oriented approach helps to manage these risks and increases the attractiveness of the profession.

Read all about reintegration here

Which concrete actions can you take as an organisation?

  1. Carry out a risk assessment 
    Map physical and psychosocial risks within your organisation to take targeted action.
     
  2. Focus on retention and wellbeing
    Focus on ergonomics , prevention and mental support so employees can be employed longer.
     
  3. Stimulate retention and reintegration
    Look beyond traditional recruitment and give opportunities to people from the labour reserve: people on long-term sick leave, people with disabilities, or employees on a career break.

How can IDEWE help you?

IDEWE supports organisations in improving wellbeing at work and tackling shortage occupations with:

That way you not only help to tackle the shortage, but also build a sustainable work context for everyone.

Want to know how your organisation can better prepare for the challenges of shortage occupations?

Our experts are happy to help you get started with advice tailored to your sector and personnel policy. 

Contact our specialists