The hidden cost of staff shortages in Flanders: why digital platforms make the difference

The Flemish labour market is under pressure. Shops, hospitality businesses and logistics companies increasingly struggle to fill their shifts. The result? Invisible but high costs. An empty till, a closed counter or a delayed delivery are not only frustrating for customers, but also expensive for businesses. In this article we analyse how big that hidden cost can be, and how digital platforms such as AnyShift.be offer a solution.

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What does an unfilled shift cost?

A shift that goes unfilled may seem like a temporary inconvenience, but in practice the losses add up quickly.

1. Loss of revenue

When a shop is short a checkout employee, queues grow longer. Customers give up and make their purchase elsewhere. In hospitality, a shortage of waiters or kitchen help often means tables stay empty, while in logistics deliveries are delayed.

According to sector organisations, 1 missed shift in retail can quickly mean hundreds of euros in lost revenue.

2. A poorer customer experience

In today's market, customer satisfaction is crucial. Long waiting times, closed tills or fewer staff on the floor lead to dissatisfied customers. A negative experience is quickly shared through word of mouth or online reviews, which costs future income.

3. Extra pressure on permanent staff

When shifts go unfilled, permanent employees have to work harder. This increases the workload, lowers motivation and can lead to absenteeism. This again costs businesses money and time to find replacements.

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Flexible work as a solution

To tackle these problems, more and more Flemish businesses are opting for flexible work via digital platforms.

Flexi-jobs in Flanders

Flexi-jobs are a popular tool for absorbing staff shortages. They allow people with a main job to earn extra under favourable conditions. Especially in hospitality and retail, flexi-jobs have become an indispensable link. In 2025, new rules also apply that expand the possibilities even further.

👉 Read more about how and where you can do a flexi-job or student job in Flanders.

Student jobs in 2025

Students are an important group for filling gaps in the planning. From age 16, young people can easily find a student job via platforms such as AnyShift. The new student job rules in 2025 make it easier to earn extra flexibly without complex administration.

Earning extra as an over-50 or pensioner

Working as a pensioner or earning extra as an over-50 is also gaining popularity. For many, it is not only about the extra income, but also about social contact and staying active. Digital platforms offer transparency: pensioners choose for themselves which shifts they take on, without administrative hassle.

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The role of digital platforms such as AnyShift

1. Speed and simplicity

A business that needs someone today for tomorrow can post a shift online via AnyShift in just a few minutes. Jobseekers immediately see the open jobs and decide whether to take on the shift. No endless paperwork, no waiting times.

2. Transparency and trust

Shifters get clear information about hourly wage, location and working hours. Businesses know that the people have been screened and that the arrangements are handled correctly.

You can find more info on Shifters: info for jobseekers and For businesses: find staff.

3. Broad reach

Platforms reach diverse target groups: students, young adults, parents, over-50s and pensioners. This broad reach makes it easier to always find someone, regardless of the sector or the time.

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Why this matters for Flanders in 2025

• New rules for flexi-jobs: make it easier to work extra hours.
• A growing student population: young people want flexibility and increasingly choose apps over traditional temp agencies.
• Active seniors: more and more over-60s see the benefits of a flexi-job.
• Technology and AI: digital tools remove administration and ensure matches happen faster.

With the right technology, the largest part of the hidden cost of staff shortages disappears.

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Practical tips for businesses

1. Plan ahead, but keep flexibility: use digital tools to fill gaps quickly.
2. Think broadly about target groups: students, parents and pensioners have different schedules, but all share strong motivation.
3. Communicate clearly: state wage, hours and tasks transparently in the shift.
4. Use platform advantages: avoid administrative burdens and focus on your core activities.

Want to know more? Read our other articles on the AnyShift blog page or check out our frequently asked questions.

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Conclusion: tackling the hidden cost with technology

Staff shortages are more than a minor inconvenience. They cause lost revenue, stress among employees and dissatisfied customers. By making use of flexi-jobs, student jobs and digital platforms such as AnyShift, Flemish businesses can avoid those costs while responding to the new reality of flexible work.