Particularly turnover and attrition risks among Gen Z men, the blue-collar segment and Gen X women
20 January 2026, Amsterdam – More and more Dutch employees are cautiously looking beyond their current jobs. More than half (53%) are actively exploring new opportunities, mainly driven by the desire for higher income growth and better career prospects. At the same time, a significant group feels uncertain: 29 per cent expect to lose their jobs in the short term. This is according to the Global Talent Barometer by ManpowerGroup Netherlands, conducted among nearly 14,000 employees worldwide, including 510 in the Netherlands. Although average job satisfaction remains stable at 67%, the results clearly show that the risk of turnover and dropout is not widespread, but is mainly concentrated among specific groups in the labour market.
Gen Z men are leaving, women are satisfied
There are clear differences within Gen Z. Men (aged 18–28) in particular form a risk group: their job satisfaction is falling sharply (by 12 percentage points), while their confidence in finding another job is actually increasing (+8 percentage points). This combination increases the risk that they will leave their current employer. The picture is different for women in this generation: job satisfaction in this group is actually rising, by 11 percentage points.
Blue-collar segment loses perspective
Clear signs of increased turnover are also visible outside Gen Z. Employees in executive positions, the so-called blue-collar segment, experience significantly fewer career prospects with their current employer (–15 percentage points). At the same time, confidence in finding work elsewhere is increasing (+5 percentage points). Job satisfaction in this group has fallen by eight percentage points to 56 per cent. This increases the likelihood that this group in particular will consider making a move.
Untapped potential among Gen X women
In addition, the Talent Barometer points to a less visible but no less relevant risk among Gen X women (aged 45–50). In this group, both perceived job security (–9 percentage points) and confidence in finding another job (–10 percentage points) are declining. This creates a situation in which an experienced group of employees feels uncertain about the future but is at the same time less inclined to look for a new job, which means that valuable potential is at risk of remaining untapped.
André Secrest, Managing Director at ManpowerGroup Netherlands: “The labour market is changing rapidly under the influence of technological changes, AI and increasing work pressure. In this context, people’s expectations of their employers are shifting: job satisfaction is increasingly determined by their outlook on the future. When development and income growth are not a fixed part of what employers offer, there is a lack of perspective and security, which translates into increased turnover and dropout risks for specific groups. By giving career paths a central place within a broader approach to development, remuneration and job security, employers can prevent talent from looking elsewhere or dropping out.”
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About the ManpowerGroup Global Talent Barometer
The ManpowerGroup Global Talent Barometer is a survey of employee well-being, job satisfaction and confidence. The survey was conducted among 13,918 employees in 19 countries, including 510 from the Netherlands.
Source ManpowerGroup
Karlijn Meijer
+31 (0)6 34 63 57 63
karlijn.meijer@manpowergroup.nl
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup® is the global leader in finding, developing and retaining talent. Through its brands Manpower, Experis and Talent Solutions, the HR service provider offers complete HR solutions in more than 70 countries. Every year, ManpowerGroup connects millions of people with meaningful work. Whether it’s temporary or permanent positions, in a wide range of sectors and fields, ManpowerGroup helps organisations and candidates achieve lasting success in a rapidly changing labour market.
For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.nl or follow us on LinkedIn.
