Dutch productivity is falling again – and that offers precisely opportunities
Labor productivity in the Netherlands fell again in 2024, CBS figures show. While the economy is growing, the output per hour worked is actually decreasing. A signal that traditional ways of working no longer suffice. In this blog we share practical insights from practice: what really helps organizations move forward – and how do you bring peace, direction and results back into your work?
A wake-up call for working Holland
In 2024, labor productivity in the Netherlands fell again. According to CBS, the average working person produced 0.2% less per hour than a year earlier. That sounds small, but it is the second year in a row in which productivity fell – and that while the economy grew by only 1%.
It is a signal that working Holland is running up against limits. And that makes one question urgent: how can things be done better?
The hidden costs of untapped productivity
CBS and the Netherlands Committee for Entrepreneurship estimate that Dutch SMEs miss out on as much as €65 billion in lost productivity. Often this happens without entrepreneurs immediately noticing. Consider:
- employees waiting on each other.
- information scattered across systems.
- duplication of effort.
- Or simply: work that “just goes that way.
Everyone is working hard – but the question is: Are they working smart?
AI as opportunity, not threat
According to a recent analysis by ING, the Netherlands has something special: a relatively high proportion of jobs that are complementary to artificial intelligence. That means that AI here not only replaces jobs, but mainly supports work. In this respect, the Netherlands scores higher than Germany, Belgium and France.
The biggest gains are not in technology itself, but in how it is handled. Companies that use AI to alleviate repetitive tasks give employees space to focus on quality, customer value and innovation. Therein lies the power of modern productivity.
What really helps increase productivity?
What we often find with organizations making strides in productivity is that it’s not about magic solutions or a new tool. It’s about making choices, simplifying work and creating ownership. Here are some proven strategies that are making a difference in many industries:
✅ Simplify and standardize processes.
✅ Bring back flow and concentration.
✅ Use technology as a tool, not a goal.
✅ Knowing what is a priority – and what is not.
✅ Collaborate smarter, such as with visual management.
Productivity is not in working harder, but in smarter organization. The examples above show that thoughtful interventions make the difference.
The Netherlands has everything it needs to do better
Declining productivity is no reason to panic – but it is a clear wake-up call. There is room to improve. And the opportunities are there.
From SMEs to multinationals, those who invest in processes, people and technology turn productivity into a growth accelerator.
Want to know where your organization stands when it comes to productivity? At Symbol, we help teams and organizations organize their work smarter every day.
Curious? Get in touch.
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