Half of Dutch logistics employees worked more hours to cover living expenses

Almost half (46%) of Dutch frontline workers in service sectors such as logistics worked more hours last year to fund their cost of living. This is according to recent European research on the impact of inflation among more than 3,300 employees.

The survey – conducted by Quinyx, a provider of an AI software solution for workforce planning – shows that Dutch frontline employees not only worked more hours, but also took other financial measures. For instance, they asked for financial support from family and/or friends (39%), used the food bank (26%) or took out a personal loan (24%). The reason given for this is that their wages do not cover the cost of living.

Research in logistics, retail and hospitality

The survey was conducted among frontline employees working in logistics, retail and hospitality at the end of November 2023. These employees hold positions such as warehouse operative, delivery driver, shelf filler, sales assistant or waiter. The employees live in the Netherlands (491 respondents), Germany (1,000), the UK (1,000) and Scandinavia (829). Many of these employees have a salary around the minimum wage.

Financial support from family or friends

Four in ten frontline workers say they have sought financial support from family or friends. This percentage is just slightly higher in the Netherlands (39%) than in the UK (31%), Germany (34%) and Scandinavia (34%). Additionally, in the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia, a quarter of all frontline workers used a food bank last year. In the UK, the percentage is slightly lower at 11%.

Personal loan

A quarter of frontline employees in the Netherlands and Germany have taken out a personal loan. In Scandinavia, the percentage is just slightly higher (28%) and in the UK slightly lower (14%). “Many frontline staff are facing a higher workload and insurmountable financial challenges. Our study proves that this is a burden across Europe,” comments Toma Pagojute, Chief HR Officer at Quinyx. She advises business leaders to engage with their employees and provide support where and when they need it most. “This can be done through flexible work schedules, improved communication and by making sure their working conditions are as good as possible,” says Pagojute.