The Netherlands, like many countries, is experiencing a dynamic shift in work culture. Our conversations with clients and candidates alike reflect a growing trend: employers are increasingly keen to coax employees back to regular, office based hours. But what does this mean for employees who have grown accustomed to the flexibility of working a remote job?

The Statistics

In 2021, 2 million people in the Netherlands ‘frequently’ worked remotely. Fast forward to 2023 and their number has dropped to 1.25 million. Additionally, employees who 'occasionally' worked from home rose from 3 million in 2021 to 3.75 million in 2023, confirming indications that hybrid arrangements that combine office and home-working are on the rise.

The Impact

The transition back to the office has led to tension between employers and employees. Some companies face increased turnover rates as employees seek alternative opportunities that ensure the flexible working arrangements they’ve come to value. As a result, employers are experiencing business disruption and incurring costs associated with the loss of established skilled workers. So, the question is whether the push to return to the office is truly worthwhile?

At EMEA Recruitment, we work with world-renowned businesses across various sectors, providing us a comprehensive understanding of current and emerging models for hybrid working. As a consultative business, we pride ourselves on educating our clients on how to best position themselves in the market to attract top talent.

If your business is grappling with changes to your hybrid working model/employee retention and satisfaction rates, or if you’re looking for heightened flexibility in your next career move, we are here to support you. Reach out to one of our dedicated team members and see how we can support you in your efforts.

Keely Straw, Manager of our HR recruitment team in Switzerland, posted a LinkedIn poll aligning with Gartner's identified trends for 2024 HR priorities. The results indicated that organisational culture is emerging as a primary focus in Switzerland, closely followed by leadership development.

Organisational culture serves as the bedrock of a company's identity, influencing its values, behaviours, and overall work environment. A strong and positive organisational culture is not only essential for employee satisfaction and retention, but also plays a pivotal role in attracting top-tier talent.

Recruitment, a pivotal element in constructing a thriving team, is intricately linked to organisational culture. Beyond seeking individuals with the right skills, the process involves identifying candidates who not only possess the required competencies, but also align with and flourish within the established cultural environment. A unified culture fosters shared values among employees, propelling them towards common goals and cultivating a harmonious workplace.

At EMEA Recruitment, we understand that the intricacies of organisational culture are paramount. By putting people at the heart of everything we do - going beyond matching resumes with job descriptions - we understand the unique cultural nuances that make a company tick, recognising that cultural fit is as vital as technical skills. We’re committed to finding candidates who seamlessly integrate into the existing work ethos.

Being tuned into organisational culture contributes significantly to a company's success. By acting as a strategic partner and listening, we can embody the shared values and vision of the organisation. This alignment fosters a more engaged and motivated workforce, ultimately leading to increased productivity and innovation.

In essence, the synergy between organisational culture and recruitment is a dynamic force that shapes the present and future success of a company. By partnering with a recruitment agency like EMEA Recruitment - the Bastion of People-First Recruitment - organisations can ensure they are not just hiring employees, but welcoming individuals who contribute positively to the collective identity and success of the company.

If you’d like to find out more about our specialist recruitment services, contact Keely.

We understand how important networking is for Swiss Finance professionals.

EMEA Recruitment is proud to host virtual and in-person networking activities across Switzerland for Finance & Accountancy professionals.  

Having built a strong network of Finance professionals within Switzerland over almost 15 years, we enjoy every opportunity to meet both familiar faces and new individuals looking to expand their own relationships.

Those living and working in Switzerland will understand how valuable and beneficial networking opportunities are for career success. If you are looking to move to Switzerland, developing professional relationships and attending Swiss networking events can be helping ways to find new career opportunities.

In the past, it was common for Finance & Accountancy professionals to work at a local or regional business for the duration of their careers. Nowadays, with the impact of globalisation and evolving work environments, it is more common for professionals to work at multiple organisations, including multi-national companies.

If you are therefore looking for new opportunities more frequently, a strong professional network can help you find and secure the next step in your career.

One of the easiest places to start building your network is on LinkedIn. EMEA Recruitment is proud to connect Swiss Finance professionals through our dedicated group on the platform. If you are a senior Finance professional in Switzerland, you can request to join the group.

For in-person networking events, our Recruitment Consultants are always interested in meeting clients and candidates across multiple locations in Switzerland. If you’re interested in organising a coffee, dinner or more formal event, please contact John Bower, Director, in our Finance & Accountancy recruitment department, who will be happy to help: [email protected] 

One of the unique ways that we unite Swiss Finance professionals is through our partnership with IMA (Institute of Management Accountants). Alongside our career development resources, we are proud to host regular webinars and networking opportunities through our partnership.

We also offer Swiss Finance professionals the chance to receive a free trial membership with IMA.