Although the market for HR professionals in the Netherlands remained cautious in quarter one, strategic hiring drove the market with a number of critical skillsets in demand.  

As the financial year ends, professionals begin considering new career opportunities, making April and May particularly busy months.

While companies have been cautious, due to macroeconomic factors, an increase in Talent Acquisition requirements suggests that they are beginning to hire again.

Growth in Technology & Transformation roles, particularly those related to AI, is also expected to continue.

Meanwhile, more organizations are relocating roles to lower-cost regions. While transactional roles have traditionally been affected, higher-skilled positions are now being moved.

The Return-to-Office Debate

The return-to-office debate intensified in quarter one, with more companies issuing blanket return-to-work statements.

A shift toward more in-office presence continued, with many organizations moving to a four days in the office, one day from home model. Conversations shifted from work-life balance to work-life integration, which we anticipate will continue to evolve. 

Within the HR team, leaders are telling us that togetherness and spontaneous interactions are increasingly valued, where gauging company sentiment and fostering a strong workplace culture is essential. Building a digital culture and infrastructure is also becoming more of a growing trend in the Dutch market.

Shifting Skillsets

While AI and data-driven roles remain a key topic, businesses are still in the early stages of their technology journeys. Companies are working to understand how they can best leverage AI, and while this will be a long-term trend, it has yet to fully take off.

To best support those in our network trying to manage these shifts, we have strengthened our partnerships with HR leaders, particularly those new to their roles, over the past quarter. It often takes around three months for HR Directors to assess an organization’s success, and we have been actively supporting them in their transition by providing market insights and staying abreast of the latest trends.

As we move progess into the next quarter, we remain committed to supporting our network with insights, guidance, and career opportunities. If you’d like to discuss hiring trends or explore new opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Katie Insley, Director in our HR recruitment team in the Netherlands.

Over the past three months, our recruitment teams in Switzerland saw positive signs of economic recovery in Switzerland, with job vacancies on the rise. Our Swiss Country Director, John Byrne, dives into the details...

Confidence heading into the New Year marked a positive start to 2025. For instance, we’ve seen several major transformation projects move forward and a strong commitment to hiring key strategic roles. Obviously, the tariff challenges in April do add some uncertainty, but reflecting on the past three months, the market has responded well in 2025.

Key Trends

Human Resources is becoming increasingly strategic as digitalization and AI take on much of the groundwork in data gathering and administration. As a result, businesses are shifting HR away from operational tasks and focusing more on business partnering and delivering actionable analytical insights, even at junior levels. Professionals with such skills remain in high demand.

The high volume of vacancies mirrors trends seen post-pandemic. The October to December period indicated a market low, with hiring activity picking up in the New Year.

We’ve also observed a growing demand for office-based flexibility. This discussion will remain a strong talking point throughout 2025 and beyond, as enforcing strict return-to-office policies may make it difficult to attract top talent, especially in tougher markets.

Stay Ahead

The coming quarter should see more companies making decisive recruitment moves. Many organizations are looking to commit to senior hires before the summer, presenting opportunities for professionals seeking leadership roles. 

Where hundreds of applicants may be pitching for the same role, a strategic approach is key for job seekers. Leveraging your network can open doors and create opportunities beyond standard applications. 

If you’d like to discuss hiring trends or explore new opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or our Swiss recruitment team at +41 41 508 7007

EMEA Recruitment's Netherlands Country Director, Hannah Mallia, reflects on the Dutch Finance & Accounting recruitment market in Q1 and the roles in demand across the region. 

The past quarter has seen demand remain strong for skilled Finance professionals in traditional roles like Controlling and Reporting, despite a long-term focus on professionals with technical skillsets.

While technology remains a key driver in Finance & Accountancy roles, demand for Financial Controlling and Reporting professionals has surged since the start of the year, demonstrating the importance of these skillsets in maintaining business operations.

The predicted demand for professionals with technical skillsets – particularly SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite, Power BI, and blockchain – continued in quarter one, and we expect this trend to persist into the longer term. However, the need for Financial Controlling and Reporting talent, especially in manufacturing, real estate, and technology, has rocketed. Businesses still require skilled professionals who can interpret and manage data effectively.

Interim hiring has also remained strong, with projects spanning ERP implementations, centralization, outsourcing, and IPO preparation. Industries actively hiring interim professionals include real estate, FMCG, pharma, tech, construction, and oil & gas. A mix of project-led work is emerging, leading to both freelance (ZZP) and full-time hires.

A shift back to office-based work continued over the quarter, however candidates are telling us they want to work for companies with a more flexible approach - raising concerns that companies may be missing out on top talent by enforcing stricter policies. However, the benefits of in office collaboration, such as peer-to-peer learning and community, should not be overlooked, particularly for younger generations. Balance is the key to ensure business needs and job seeker preferences are met.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the summer period, businesses are putting teams in place to maintain operations. During these busy hiring cycles, effective planning and ownership are essential to keeping processes smooth and efficient.

At the same time, many professionals are seeking insights into the job market - how active it is, what factors could impact their job search, and reassurance on finding a new role.

We encourage candidates to think long-term when considering career moves. While salary is an important factor, career longevity, development opportunities, and overall job satisfaction should take precedence over short-term financial gains. Making informed decisions based on market realities will lead to more fulfilling career choices.

EMEA Recruitment is here to support our network with valuable insights and expert recruitment guidance. If you’d like to explore new opportunities or discuss hiring trends, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

CH Country Director, John Byrne, gives an overview of the Swiss recruitment market and EMEA Recruitment's activities in 2024, along with our predictions for 2025. 

Over the past year, EMEA Recruitment has partnered with clients to navigate the toughest market conditions since the pandemic. Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate steady growth in Switzerland.  

We have worked closely with our clients to navigate 2024 with resilience and strategic adaptability, despite global economic uncertainties such as fluctuating global markets, a strong Swiss franc, and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

2024 overview

2024 started with the continuation of our clients adopting flexible work arrangements and upskilling initiatives to attract and retain talent, reflecting a shift toward employee-centric recruitment strategies.

However, the second half of the year challenged this, with a few businesses looking to establish a stronger presence in the office. We oversaw a number of projects offering market consensuses for our clients to identify the right balance for them and expect this to be an ongoing theme into the New Year and beyond.

Did your business change its flexible work arrangements in 2024? Our recruitment team would be happy to discuss the market’s holistic stance for insights.

Tech & Transformation

The demand for our services remained robust across key sectors like technology and life sciences, and among a host of newly settled businesses establishing themselves here, driven by Switzerland's continued reputation as a hub for innovation and global business.

We continued to invest heavily in our Tech & Transformation division, focused on senior leadership roles, as the demand for talent increases across sustainability and digital transformation. We’re also seeing new roles in green energy, AI, and data analytics.

Outlook for 2025

Looking ahead, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Despite global economic uncertainties, Switzerland's low unemployment rate and stable economy continue to provide a solid foundation for the recruitment market.

Our indications suggest that the market is poised for steady growth, with opportunities continuing in newly settled businesses and emerging industries (including AI, biotechnology, and sustainability initiatives).

These factors signal optimism for both candidates and clients alike in 2025. If you need our support in your own career or within your current team, please get in touch and I will connect you with the right expert:  [email protected]

Hanna Gibson, Senior Consultant in our Nordics recruitment division, reflects on the Finance & Accounting recruitment market during Q3 and shed's light on key trends shaping the region progressing into Q4.

As we progress into the final quarter of 2024, one key trend in the Nordics is the rising importance of cross-functional skills, especially in Finance.

With companies striving to streamline operations, Finance professionals are now playing more strategic roles. CFOs are increasingly seeking candidates who can provide data-driven insights, not just for financial planning, but also for broader business strategies.

Reflecting on Q3 2024

Q3 highlighted the growing demand for Finance professionals who can contribute beyond traditional roles. Companies in the Nordics are increasingly seeking individuals with a strong blend of financial expertise and strategic acumen.

This quarter also saw digital transformation take center stage, with AI-driven forecasting, automation, and advanced analytics becoming essential tools. According to the World Economic Forum, over 40% of Nordic businesses are investing in digital Finance tools, significantly increasing the demand for tech-savvy professionals to lead these initiatives.

November is a Crucial Time to Secure Top Talent

With 2025 plans being finalized, competition for top talent is intensifying. November presents a valuable opportunity to engage with professionals looking to make strategic career moves before the new fiscal year begins.

For industries already facing talent shortages - especially in Finance and Accounting - delaying until 2025 could put you at a disadvantage.

Preparing for 2025 Success

Q4 isn’t just a time for reflection; it’s a time for action. Aligning your talent strategy with future demands is key.

EMEA Recruitment is here to help you stay ahead of the curve, ensuring you have the expertise to drive your business forward into 2025. Contact us today to find out how we can support your recruitment needs and help you secure top talent before the competition. 

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the ability to adapt to digital disruption is essential for growth and sustainability. Every month, EMEA Recruitment connects with hundreds of diverse individuals across our established and expanding network who share market changes, challenges, and innovative digital strategies.

Having understood the critical role that technology plays in transforming modern businesses that are facing digital disruption, we continue to receive enquiries from new areas of our network. Our Technology & Transformation recruitment division was created to handle such enquiries, as this area touches so many different disciplines within business.

The Demand for Leadership Skills

Whether it is true transformation to take advantage of market growth or to readjust for industry pressures, we have witnessed an upwards trend in demand for leadership skills experienced with guiding teams through this.

EMEA Recruitment has partnered with several Swiss-based entities to source skilled professionals who excel not only in cutting-edge technologies, but who also bring the essential strategic acumen and leadership skills necessary to implement meaningful large-scale change.

This highly tailored, “people first” approach has been of particular value to clients in a rapidly shifting market. Often, the softer side of leadership can be overlooked when change is needed, but the best change programmes are those that align with these skills to deliver successful, long-term results.

Your requirements

If your business is searching for evolving skillsets, such as data science and analysis, systems architecture and development, and/or technologies including AI, blockchain and the IoT, to strengthen your market position, then we’d be happy to discuss your requirements.

Many of the candidates we now represent are adept in leading complex transformation projects, ensuring seamless transitions and delivering successful outcomes. Please reach out to our Country Director, John Byrne, who will be happy to help: [email protected]