Behavioural Science - a new tool for PES?

PESPod - the insiders' guide to the EU labour market

How behavioural science can help PES help their clients

In episode 13 of PESPod, host David Poyser speaks to Mike Keesman from the Dutch PES (UWV) and Anne-Greet Keizer, Research Fellow at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) on how a WRR report on behavioural science has helped to improve PES performance.

Anne-Greet Keizer explains how the WRR’s research highlighted the importance of understanding the “difference between what people are expected to do and what they are actually capable of.” This is not an issue of motivation or willingness, nor just a concern for vulnerable groups - anyone can find themselves unable to take appropriate action in their best interests at different moments.

The topic is particularly relevant for PES since the modern labour market “makes heavy demands on people’s self-reliance” to manage increasingly complex career paths. Furthermore, people are often in contact with PES at distressing times, such as when they have lost their job.

Hear from Mike Keesman about how this report helped the Dutch PES to understand that “wrong decisions or passivity are not necessarily a sign of unwillingness”. They also gave the PES a new “language to really talk about how to improve our services” and communicate with service users.

How inspirational has the Dutch PES found behavioural science? More than half of all its counsellors have engaged in voluntary training on the concept. Results include improved client attendance at appointments and more people applying for jobs with better hiring prospects.

Listen to this episode to find out more about the Dutch PES experience with behavioural science and how the concept can also be applied to redesigning policies and laws.

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