Increasing labour productivity
The manufacturing sector in the Netherlands and Europe is under pressure. International competition is intensifying, the labour market is tight and productivity growth is stagnating. At the same time, demand for products and services is growing, whilst the number of available workers remains limited.
For the Brainport region, this presents a clear challenge: how can businesses remain competitive and future-proof with a shrinking labour force? Increasing labour productivity is a key factor in this. By working smarter, improving processes and making better use of technology, businesses can create more value with the same or fewer staff.
What is labour productivity?
Labour productivity refers to the amount of output achieved per employee or per hour worked. Increasing this primarily involves organising more efficiently. This includes improving processes, digitalisation, automation and better collaboration within the supply chain.
Within the Brainport region, this is seen as an essential part of a broader labour market strategy, alongside attracting, training and retaining talent.
Who is it for?
Increasing labour productivity is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs and businesses in the manufacturing industry, and especially for SMEs. It is precisely these companies that often need a practical and results-oriented approach, tailored to their specific situation.
Productivity in Practice (PIP) Programme
A new programme has been developed to support and guide entrepreneurs in increasing labour productivity.
The programme is aimed at companies with a production environment that wish to invest in growth, efficiency and future-proofing, for example due to:
- labour market shortages
- growing demand
- more complex supply chains
- the need for digitalisation and process optimisation
How does it work?
Within the Productivity in Practice (PIP) programme, companies work specifically on their own productivity challenges. This takes place over a period of approximately 9 to 12 months.
The approach consists of:
- a baseline assessment to map out the current situation
- identifying concrete opportunities for improvement
- working on themes such as data, digitalisation, automation and leadership
- formulating measurable targets (KPIs)
- guidance from experts and mentors
- learning from other entrepreneurs in a group setting
The aim is to achieve concrete and measurable improvements in practice.
What are the benefits?
By focusing on labour productivity, companies can:
- produce more efficiently
- respond better to staff shortages
- strengthen their competitive position
- grow without a corresponding increase in staff numbers
The programme aims to support companies in achieving substantial productivity growth, with a focus on lasting and future-proof improvements in business operations.
It also contributes to a stronger regional economy. Healthy and productive companies are essential for the broader prosperity of the Brainport region.
Regional collaboration
The programme, an initiative of KplusV, Brainport Industries, Brainport Development and Rabobank, brings together knowledge, networks and practical experience to support manufacturing companies in their growth. In this way, we strengthen the resilience, innovative capacity and future-proofing of the Dutch manufacturing industry.
Want to find out more or get involved?
Are you an entrepreneur looking to boost labour productivity within your organisation? Or are you wondering whether the programme is right for your business? Please contact Monique Sonnemans, m.sonnemans@brainportdevelopment.nl