Population and society
In line with the EU Renewed Social Agenda, Eurofound research in this area focuses on:
- New age management policies during the recession
- working and caring
- childcare
- mobility
- integration of migrants (CLIP)
- volunteering
- social capital
Age management in companies
As their numbers grow, the role of older people in society is becoming increasingly relevant to policy, as is the need for effective policies to promote opportunities for an ageing workforce.
Care issues
Childcare is playing an increasingly important role in European social policy. Eurofound research has taken an in-depth look at developments in employment and good practices in the childcare sector, with a focus on services for school-age children.
Previous work focussed on family care of the elderly and employment in social care.
Mobility and migration
Enlargement of the Union has also focused the debate on mobility and migration. Cities and local authorities have an important role to play in the integration of migrants and the formulation of innovative policies.
Social capital
In Eurofound research ‘social capital’ is understood as the ‘interaction of individuals within formal and informal networks that builds trust, communication, participation and a cultural dimension’. Findings show that involvement in social networks positively affects economic development.
Sources
- European Quality of Life Survey
This paneuropean survey was carried out in 2003 and 2007. Fieldword started in September 2011 on Eurofound's third European Quality of Life Survey. The survey will cover 34 countries. - Case studies: Impact of the recession on age management policies
Recent developments in relation to the retention of older workers (aged 50+) in employment during the recession, in particular in companies undergoing restructuring. - Case studies: Workers with care responsibilities
This searchable database highlights some 50 company initiatives that support workers with dependent-care responsibilities in 11 Member States. - Case studies: Employment initiatives for an ageing workforce
Eurofound has gathered and analysed 200 cases of good practice in age management, designed to improve job opportunities and working conditions for older workers. - Updates on ageing and work
Regular information updates from the European Working Conditions Observatory.
