Ukrainian refugees and the temporary employment sector: Opportunities and challenges

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, thousands of refugees have sought safety in the Netherlands. Many of them are now active in the labor market. According to recent CBS figures, 38% of Ukrainian refugees are employed as temporary workers. This development not only offers opportunities for the Dutch labor market but also raises important questions about sustainable employability and inclusivity. In this article, we highlight how Ebro Diensten addresses these challenges and provides solutions for companies in various sectors.

The crucial role of temporary work for Ukrainian refugees

Out of approximately 68,000 Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands between the ages of 15 and 65, half were employed as of May 1, 2023. The majority of this group works in the temporary employment sector. The flexible nature of temporary work makes it easier for refugees to find employment, providing a low-threshold entry into the labor market and playing a key role in their integration.

For Ebro Diensten, this represents an opportunity to support companies with motivated workers while helping refugees establish a stable foundation in the Netherlands. With a focus on sector-specific solutions in agriculture, transport, and the food industry, Ebro Diensten delivers both economic and social value.

Flexibility and quality: The core of temporary work

Data show that most Ukrainian refugees work part-time, with an average workweek of 30 to 35 hours. This highlights the need for flexible employment contracts. Temporary employment agencies like Ebro Diensten address this by offering tailored solutions to meet the needs of both employers and employees.

Ensuring quality in the workplace is equally important. Good working conditions, fair wages, and safe environments are crucial for keeping temporary workers motivated and building sustainable relationships between employers and employees. Ebro Diensten actively invests in promoting these standards, setting them apart as a reliable partner in the temporary employment sector.

Challenges and opportunities for the Dutch labor market

While the employment of Ukrainian refugees helps address labor shortages in sectors such as business services (51%) and trade, transport, and hospitality (31%), it also presents challenges:

1. Language barriers: Many Ukrainian workers face difficulties with language, limiting their integration and career growth.
2. Limited experience in the Dutch market: A lack of local work experience may make refugees less attractive for certain positions.
3. High mobility: CBS data show that 39% of Ukrainian workers changed employers within a year, emphasizing the need for long-term relationships and stability.

Ebro Diensten proactively tackles these challenges through language training, on-the-job support, and creating sustainable matches between workers and employers.

Labor migration and broad prosperity

Supporting Ukrainian refugees in the labor market benefits not only the individual workers but also contributes to broad prosperity in the Netherlands. By filling labor shortages, migrant workers help businesses remain operational and drive economic growth. Additionally, this promotes an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute.

Ebro Diensten plays a vital role in this by providing companies with a diverse and motivated workforce. Their focus on inclusion, quality, and customized solutions ensures that both employers and employees benefit from successful partnerships.

The future of Ukrainian refugees in the temporary employment sector

The temporary employment sector plays a pivotal role in integrating Ukrainian refugees into the Dutch labor market. With 38% of refugees active in this sector, it provides not only a solution for labor shortages but also opportunities for inclusion and economic growth.

Ebro Diensten continues to support companies with flexible and high-quality employment solutions. By investing in guidance, language training, and sustainable relationships, Ebro helps both employers and employees succeed. In doing so, they contribute to a stronger labor market and an inclusive, resilient society.