Nearly 250,000 young people want to work more hours than their current contracts allow, according to research firm Intelligence Group. At the same time, more than two-thirds of employees under 30 would prefer a full-time job, while just over half currently work full-time. This leaves an untapped annual labour potential equivalent to almost 120,000 full-time positions.
The researchers say many young workers are structurally stuck in contracts with too few hours. This underuse of labour is particularly evident in healthcare, education, and social professions. In healthcare, the gap amounts to more than 20,500 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. In education, it exceeds 9,300 FTEs, and in social professions it is nearly 9,700 FTEs.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about young people in the labour market is that they want to work fewer hours or do not aim for full-time jobs. The opposite is true. They want to work more hours, and preferably full-time, but are held back by small part-time contracts, especially in certain sectors and professions,” said Geert-Jan Waasdorp, chief executive of Intelligence Group.
The study also highlights significant untapped potential in logistics, hospitality, sales, and paramedical services. According to Waasdorp, this underuse of talent worsens labour shortages in sectors already facing staffing challenges. It also limits the development opportunities of a generation. He points to strict staffing rules, difficulties in combining multiple contracts, tax-related barriers, and the widespread use of flexible contracts as key causes.
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