The hidden reserve of nurses and teachers in the Netherlands

Purpose Many high-income countries experience significant staff shortages in healthcare and education. Both the nurse and teacher occupations have a high outflow due to retirement and difficulties in attracting and retaining workers. The aim of this study is to estimate the magnitude of the so-called hidden reserves among individuals who have been trained to work as a nurse or a teacher. Our study also offers insights into differences in the working conditions of workers employed in the healthcare or education sectors and those belonging to the hidden reserve. Design/methodology/approach Using register data, we estimate the magnitude of these hidden reserves in the Netherlands. We define the hidden reserve as individuals who obtained a nursing or teaching diploma but are not employed in the healthcare or education sector. Our definition of the hidden reserve also encompasses the number of additional hours that part-time workers could supply to reach a full-time working week. We analyze differences in the working conditions by using survey data. Findings We show that the hidden reserves among (former) nurses and teachers by far exceed the current staff shortages. Moreover, our analysis reveals that inactive nurses and teachers perceive several working conditions more favorably than their active counterparts. Originality/value Few studies have attempted to estimate the size of nurse and teacher reserve pools. This study quantifies the hidden reserve for occupational subgroups using detailed register data and offers insight into the reasons why workers leave the nursing and teaching profession.