European Working Conditions Observatory

The European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO) is a monitoring instrument which provides regular, online information on quality of work and employment in the different EU Member States, as well as an EU level overview. Supported by an extensive network of correspondents, EWCO covers all EU countries plus Norway.

A project managed and coordinated by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, EWCO was set up in 2003. The purpose of the project is to collect, analyse and disseminate high-quality and up-to-date information on relevant legislative developments, agreements and social partner positions on working conditions, quality of work and employment issues. Working time, ageing, work and stress and work–life balance are some of the topics which EWCO investigates. The overall aim is to provide an in-depth analysis of the changing world of work in Europe. Information updates, topic reports and comparative studies are complemented by the European Working Conditions Surveys which have been carried out by the Foundation since 1991.The surveys provide an overview of the state of working conditions across Europe, highlighting the extent and nature of changes affecting the workforce and the quality of work.

Building on extensive Foundation research and analysis, EWCO aims to offer relevant information on trends in working conditions throughout Europe to national and European-level social partner organisations, government organisations, EU institutions and other international institutions, such as the International Labour Organisation and the OECD.