Why so many shops in Flanders struggle to find staff

Update 15 October 2026: this article has been checked against the 2026 figures. Student workers may work 650 hours a year at a 2.71 percent contribution, and since May 2026 light work is allowed from age 15. Flexi-jobbers earn tax-free up to 18,440 euros a year; the minimum flexi hourly wage in hospitality has been 12.11 euros since 1 September 2026 (13.04 euros including holiday pay) and the maximum is 21.00 euros (22.61 euros including holiday pay). Since 1 July 2026 flexi-jobs are possible in almost all sectors. The full 2026 rules are in our guide on the flexi-job hourly wage, rules and ceiling: anyshift.be

Why so many shops in Flanders struggle to find staff (and how they solve it) is more relevant than ever. In Flanders we see more and more young people, seniors and businesses looking for flexible solutions. Whether you are a student worker who wants to fill up the summer, a flexi-jobber keen to earn a bit on the side, or a shop owner urgently looking for help, the labour market is moving fast.

Finding staff in retail has become a real challenge. The combination of an ageing population, stricter regulations and high workload means that many shops in Flanders are at their wits' end.

Did you know that "shop jobs Flanders", "flexi-job Flanders" and "student work shop" are among the most popular search terms in 2026?

The situation in Flanders in 2026

The Flemish labour market is in full swing. Since 2025, students are allowed to work 650 hours per year at a reduced contribution of 2.71 percent, under the rules of Student@work. That makes student work in shops extra attractive for both young people and employers.

In 2026, flexi-jobbers can earn up to €18,440 per year on the side tax-free, as long as they meet the conditions. This means that more and more Flemish people are choosing a flexi-job in retail or hospitality.

Companies in sectors such as retail, hospitality and logistics keep crying out for extra help, especially at peak times such as weekends, sales periods or the summer months. At the same time, young people and seniors are looking for ways to combine extra income with freedom.

Finding staff in Flanders is therefore not just a matter of posting vacancies, but also of responding to the needs of the modern employee.

AnyShift as a bridge between supply and demand

At AnyShift we notice that more young people and flexi-jobbers than ever are using our app to find work quickly. Through AnyShift.be you can:

• Work in your own region, from Antwerp to Kortrijk
• Set your own availability, ideal for students and flexi-jobbers
• Get paid quickly after a shift, without administrative hassle
• Work your way up to a top shifter thanks to our scoring system
• Meet new people and gain experience in different shops

Employers benefit too: through our business page they can find staff quickly and reliably, without paperwork or long waiting times.
Did you know that more than 60% of shops in Flanders will rely on at least one flexi-jobber or student in 2026?

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👉 See also: Frequently asked questions | Student jobs | Flexi-job locations