The Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) recruitment landscape in the Netherlands is undergoing a period of transformation.
New legislation, evolving project pipelines, and shifting sustainability priorities are redefining how organisations hire and how professionals plan their careers. For 2025 and beyond, a clear trend is emerging – a move away from freelance contracts and toward permanent employment.
In this article, Ally Bliss, Search Director at Shirley Parsons Netherlands, explores these market shifts and shares her insights into how recent developments are shaping the future of HSEQ and ESG recruitment in the Netherlands.
The changing freelance market in the Netherlands.
In previous years, freelancing offered flexibility and autonomy for many HSEQ professionals (known locally as ZZP’ers). However, Ally says stricter legislation around freelance employment has made many organisations more cautious about this model.
“Due to more stringent rules around freelancers in the Netherlands, fewer employers are willing to go this route. Most now focus on sourcing direct employees unless the work is clearly project-based.”
Adding to this, governmental and investment changes have led to a slowdown in major infrastructure and energy projects. Many projects are currently paused or have shifted focus to other EU countries for the next two to three years. As a result, there is less project-based work available, limiting opportunities for freelance HSEQ consultants.
Ally anticipates that a significant number of freelancers may be back on the market in 2026 and 2027, once large projects resume, and the market stabilises.
A renewed focus on permanent employment.
With freelance opportunities tightening, employers are increasingly prioritising permanent HSEQ recruitment to strengthen internal capability and long-term compliance. Ally explains:
“With the push for more permanent employees, we’re encouraging freelancers to consider direct employment for a few years. It’s a great way to strengthen their CVs, gain long-term HSE improvement experience, and build skills that are highly sought after in the market.”
This shift comes at a time when there is a severe shortage of site-level HSE talent across operational sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and energy. Businesses are seeking professionals who can embed within teams, drive cultural change, and contribute to sustainable safety performance over time.
For professionals who have built their careers on short-term contracts, transitioning into a permanent position offers the chance to broaden their impact, develop leadership skills, and position themselves as long-term strategic partners in safety and quality.
Sustainability and ESG Recruitment: A temporary slowdown.
While HSEQ hiring remains active, sustainability and ESG roles in the Netherlands are seeing a temporary slowdown.
“We’ve seen a decrease in sustainability vacancies due to the EU’s ESG reporting regulations being put on hold until further notice. This pause has led many organisations to delay hiring in sustainability and ESG until the regulatory framework becomes clearer.”
Although this has reduced current demand, the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility remains strong. Once the EU finalises its reporting requirements, sustainability and ESG recruitment are expected to rebound, potentially creating a new wave of opportunities for experienced professionals in the field.
Shirley Parsons Netherlands: Guiding employers and professionals through change.
At Shirley Parsons Netherlands, the team works closely with both organisations and professionals to navigate these evolving conditions. Our specialist recruitment and consultancy services span the full HSEQ and sustainability spectrum, offering insight-driven support that aligns with market trends.
Our services include:
- Permanent HSEQ Recruitment: Connecting employers with skilled professionals to build long-term compliance and safety excellence.
- Freelance and Interim Support: Providing flexible consultancy solutions for project-based or transitional needs.
- Market Insight & Advisory: Offering expert guidance on compliance, workforce planning, and evolving HSEQ legislation in the Netherlands.
The HSEQ recruitment market in the Netherlands continues to evolve as legislative and economic shifts reshape hiring priorities. While freelance opportunities are limited in the short term, permanent roles offer stability, development, and the chance to make a sustained impact on workplace safety and environmental performance.
“For both employers and professionals, this is a time to adapt. The HSEQ market is changing, but it’s full of opportunity for those willing to think long-term.”
Whether you’re an HSEQ professional exploring your next career move or an organisation seeking to strengthen your safety, sustainability, or quality teams, Shirley Parsons Netherlands is here to help you navigate these changes with confidence.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your HSEQ recruitment or sustainability hiring strategy in the Netherlands. Contact Ally directly at ally.bliss@shirleyparsons.com or fill out your details.
