The summer period was dedicated to company visits and many conversations with recreation employees. Additionally, hundreds of colleagues completed our CLA survey. The initial signals are clear: there is pride in the work, but also concerns about how long this can be sustained.
What do the employees need?
The recreation sector thrives on passionate people. In the conversations, I hear the same thing repeatedly: employees want security, appreciation, and a good work-life balance. Whether you work at a campsite, in a holiday park, or an amusement park, the love for the profession is great, but many people wonder if they can maintain this pace in the long term.
Challenges in the sector
The main themes that keep recurring:
- Salary and purchasing power. The work must remain attractive, and inflation affects everyone.
- Work pressure and staff shortages. Teams are running at full capacity, especially in the high season.
- Sustainable employability. Employees want to reach their pension healthily and continue to develop.
Opportunities for improvement
When I look at wages, working hours, and employment conditions, I see opportunities for improvement:
- Fair remuneration: salary that better keeps pace with prices, effort, and responsibility.
- Better balance: agreements that ensure sufficient rest and free time.
- Investing in Your career: training and career opportunities so that working in recreation remains attractive in the long term.
Initial results of the CLA research
The preliminary outcomes confirm this picture. Salary is at the top of the list, followed by work pressure and sustainable employability. Many people say they enjoy their work, but that it is sometimes challenging to sustain, both physically and mentally. During our company visits, I hear the same themes. It makes it clear that these are not isolated signals, but subjects that are widely felt in the sector.
Next step
In the coming weeks, we will gather the final input. Afterwards, the CLA committee will discuss the results and together we will prepare for the negotiations. These start in November.
What do you find important?
Have you not yet completed the survey and would you like to share your opinion? You still can! The more colleagues participate, the stronger we stand at the negotiation table.
A better CLA starts with you!
Regards,
Johan Bijlsma
Sector leader recreation