Rethinking Employee Retirement Benefits

Entrepreneurs and HR professionals active in the Leiden Bio Science Park often find themselves navigating the complexities of employee benefits—especially when it comes to pensions. While some companies are required to participate in a sector pension scheme, many others are not. And among those, the topic of pensions is often postponed, or even ignored entirely. 

The reasons? Familiar and understandable. Pensions are perceived as inflexible, costly, and administrative. There's a persistent notion that offering a proper pension plan is only viable for larger firms with deep pockets and full-time HR support. 

But here’s the missed opportunity: not every solution involves joining a traditional sector scheme. Voluntary pension solutions—such as annuity-based savings (lijfrente)—are flexible, scalable, and surprisingly easy to implement. These allow companies to provide individual pension-building options as part of the employee compensation package without the rigidity or expense associated with larger pension contracts. 

Why does this matter? In today’s competitive job market—especially when attracting skilled internationals—being able to offer a pension or retirement saving alternative, however modest, shows commitment to long-term employee well-being. It can tip the scales when a candidate is choosing between two employers. 

Moreover, these arrangements can be set up with minimal cost to the employer, tailored to individual employee needs, and offer tax advantages. They also help address a growing concern among employees themselves: how do I build my pension when I’m not part of a sector scheme? 

As a firm licensed by the AFM and with over 17 years of experience advising internationals and employers in the Leiden area, we see too often that assumptions stand in the way of practical, affordable solutions. The conversation doesn’t have to start with a formal pension plan. It can begin with awareness. 

Our team regularly advises companies of all sizes on how to align employee expectations with what is practically and financially feasible. Whether it’s a one-time setup for a few key employees or a broader solution integrated into onboarding, there’s more possible than many realise. 

Let’s open the discussion—not the product brochure. 

Would you like a second opinion on the pension assumptions in your organisation? We’re happy to explore the topic further, confidentially and without obligation.