With cycling becoming increasingly important for commuting, NaarJobs helps to incorporate mobility into the job search.

And for those looking for a new or first job, mobility is often a decisive factor. It's not just the job content or salary that counts: the question ‘How do I get there every day?’ determines whether a vacancy is feasible. This is where naarjobs.be comes in, a platform that brings together mobility and labour market information.

Jobs mapped out

Naarjobs.be not only displays vacancies in list form, but also literally on a map. Job seekers can immediately see how accessible a job is – by bicycle, public transport, or a combination of both. Filters allow you to search by distance or travel time, without having to puzzle over route planners or timetables yourself. Employers who invest in sustainable mobility are also visible: secure bicycle parking, bicycle allowances or train or bus season tickets are immediately mentioned. This allows job seekers to consciously choose jobs that better suit their travel options.

Added value for job coaches

For job seekers who are further removed from the labour market, mobility often plays an even greater role. It is not uncommon for a lack of transport options to be the main barrier to finding work. With naarjobs.be, guidance counsellors, such as job coaches and employment agencies, have a powerful tool at their disposal:

• Visualisation of accessibility: coaches can work with candidates to realistically assess which jobs are feasible without a car.
• Comparing scenarios: different combinations of bicycle, bus, tram or train are made visible.
• Support in guidance programmes: mobility issues can be discussed in concrete terms, making job opportunities less likely to be ruled out.

This makes the platform useful not only for individual job seekers, but also for organisations that guide people towards work on a daily basis.



Combined mobility as the key

The figures for Flanders are clear: the car remains the main means of transport for 64% of commuters, but cycling is growing rapidly and its use in combination with other means of transport is increasing: in 2024, the bicycle was the main means of transport for more than 20% of commutes and more than 40% used the bicycle as part of their entire journey (Statistiek Vlaanderen and Mobiliteitsbarometer Acerta).

In order to embed this trend in a sustainable way, infrastructure, employers and policy must be better aligned. Flanders is focusing on a new system of basic accessibility and combined mobility with hubs and smart connections. Naarjobs.be shows how digitisation can be a lever in this process: it helps job seekers take the step towards achievable jobs and supports coaches in their daily work.

Conclusion

Mobility Week emphasises the importance of smart choices on the road. But it goes beyond commuters alone. For those looking for work, the right combination of transport can make the difference between a job that seems unattainable and one that suddenly becomes achievable.

With naarjobs.be, Flanders has a practical tool that brings mobility and employment closer together.

Naarjobs was developed by Nazka in collaboration with Mobiel21 and with the support of the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport