Younger staff require a different management approach

ARTICLE

POLICY & LEGAL

Frank van de Ven, Thursday 23 April 2026

117 sec

Landscaping companies are noticing it more often: younger employees view work differently than employers are used to. They place more value on work-life balance, more often stick strictly to agreed working hours and are less automatically loyal to a single employer. This can clash with the mentality that is still common in many landscaping companies. According to Jelle Westra of Tuinkeur, the solution is not only in salary, but mainly in clear agreements and communication. 'Society is changing. You can have an opinion about that, but as an entrepreneur you still need to adapt.'

Jelle Westra

Many entrepreneurs recognise the differences between generations. Older employees are often used to working until a job is finished. Younger employees are more likely to stick to agreed working hours. Working four days a week or taking parental leave is also normal for many young people. According to Westra, this does not mean that younger employees are less motivated. 'They simply look at work differently.'

More outspoken staff require a different management style

A second difference is the attitude towards the employer. Younger employees are more outspoken. This can clash with entrepreneurs who are used to employees mainly doing what they are told. According to Westra, it makes little sense to keep comparing this with the past. 'Society is changing. As a company, you have to move with it.'

'Young people are often more open to new developments and new ways of working'

Younger staff can also help companies move forward

According to Westra, younger employees also bring advantages. 'They are not yet fixed in established patterns. As a result, they are often open to new developments.' This can help companies with digitalisation or new techniques. Many young people find it easier to work with digital systems or new machines.

Workplace often weighs more than salary

According to Westra, employees do not only look at salary when choosing an employer. The working environment plays a major role in attracting and retaining staff. 'Many entrepreneurs think everything revolves around money. But that is often not the case.' He mentions practical examples that are sometimes underestimated. A tidy van, good tools, a clean toilet or a decent canteen make a difference. 'It seems simple, but it determines how employees experience their workplace.'

Unrealistic planning often causes frustration

One issue that often comes up in conversations with entrepreneurs is planning. Entrepreneurs sometimes feel that employees work too slowly. 'But if you look at the planning, there is often simply not enough time scheduled for the work.' Many companies struggle because there is simply more work than staff can handle.

Many problems arise from unclear expectations

Many tensions on the work floor arise because expectations are not clear. 'Many landscapers became skilled workers first and only later entrepreneurs. But managing staff is a different profession.' As a result, what an entrepreneur expects sometimes remains unspoken. 'If you don't make that clear, misunderstandings arise.' According to Westra, it can therefore help to invest in communication. 'Not every good landscaper is automatically a good employer. Managing people is something you also have to learn.'

What can you do according to Tuinkeur?

�Make sure the basics are in order
Good tools, a tidy van and a decent canteen make a difference for staff.
�Make clear agreements
Agree on expectations regarding work pace, finishing jobs and phone use.
�Plan more realistically
Look at available labour hours instead of just working days.
�Find a sounding board
Talk to other entrepreneurs or advisors. Many companies face the same issues.

This article was previously published on April 23, 2026 on the website of De Hovenier.

TuinKeur

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