Today’s news / High employee turnover in Danish daycare centers
The think tank Cepos particularly attributes the use of unskilled labor as the basis for the high staff turnover in municipal day-care services. (Archive photo). Photo: Søren Bidstrup/Ritzau Scanpix

High employee turnover in Danish daycare centers

There has been a significant turnover rate among employees in nurseries and kindergartens, with approximately 30% of staff in municipal childcare institutions changing jobs each year, based on figures from 2017 to 2021 according to think tank Cepos. Geographical differences are notable, with areas near big cities seeing higher turnover rates. Cepos attributes the high turnover to the use of unskilled labor, as nearly 80% of employees with high school education changed jobs, many likely during a gap year. In contrast, only 30% of those with advanced degrees left their positions. This staffing instability is concerning due to its potential impact on the quality of childcare. The Danish Social Liberal Party emphasizes the need for stable, trained educators, arguing for an overhaul of pedagogical education to make the profession more attractive and retain skilled staff.