European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO)
05 February 2010:
Negative health outcomes resulting from bullying in the workplace
(Denmark / Information update)
A recent Danish study confirms that bullying leads to sleep problems and symptoms of severe stress among victims. Moreover, witnesses to bullying are found to react in the same manner, albeit to a lesser degree. On the positive side, systematic and frequent exposure to bullying is quite limited. However, negative behaviour in the workplace is very common, with 79.5% of the respondents being exposed at least sometimes to work-related negative acts.
05 February 2010:
Effects of economic crisis on labour market
(Greece / Information update)
An analysis by the Labour Institute of the Greek General Confederation of Labour focuses on the impact of the economic crisis on the Greek labour market. It appears that the economic crisis has mostly affected men in regular paid employment in the private sector, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The crisis has also led to a significant increase in part-time employment, as well as a marginal increase in self-employment.
18 January 2010:
One in 10 teachers subject to mobbing at work
(Poland / Information update)
Research in European countries shows that teachers are often exposed to mobbing at work. Recent results of a study by the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute in 2006 provide data on mobbing among 1,098 teachers in Poland. Of the teachers involved, 9.7% reported experiencing different forms of mobbing. The study offers an insight into the relationship between experiences of violence, psychological health and work satisfaction among teachers.
18 January 2010:
Parents and family–work conflict
(Lithuania / Information update)
A joint research group in Lithuania has carried out a survey analysing parents’ needs for ensuring the welfare of their families. A special emphasis was placed on balancing work and family responsibilities and the problems related therein. The survey found that family–work conflict was strong for 16% of the parents interviewed. Women more often experienced greater pressure than men in juggling work and family responsibilities.
18 January 2010:
New measures to improve working conditions in bus transport
(Slovakia / Information update)
In the summer of 2009, the National Labour Inspectorate (NIP) conducted road transport checks to assess adherence to national and EU legislation. Some 572 of the checks examined the working conditions of bus drivers, such as driving time limits, breaks and rest periods. The drivers were notified about the detected shortcomings and, in some cases, fines were issued. Based on the results, the NIP adopted measures to improve the working conditions of road transport drivers.
18 January 2010:
Emigration loses its appeal for young Bulgarians
(Bulgaria / Information update)
A survey conducted in late 2008 on migration attitudes in Bulgaria revealed that in the last nine years the proportion of young people intending to emigrate on a permanent basis has decreased from 64% to 38%. The number of persons considering working abroad for a short time has also declined. The profile of young Bulgarian migrants is changing. Mainly young people with primary and secondary-level education express a higher interest in emigrating.
08 January 2010:
Telework and mobile workers
(Portugal / Information update)
Responding to the growing concern associated with the emergence of telework in Portugal, the Association for the Promotion and Development of the Information Society commissioned a study on this phenomenon. Case studies carried out in different sectors of economic activity show that telework arrangements are agreed informally between an employer and employee and do not constitute a specific form of juridical subordination.
08 January 2010:
Positive attitude towards increase in employment of women
(Lithuania / Information update)
Within the framework of the National Programme on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men 2005–2009, the Women’s Issues Information Centre carried out an extended survey in 2009 examining the changes in the situation of women and men in all areas of life. The survey focused on changes in attitudes towards women’s labour market participation since 1994. The findings show a dramatic increase in the number of people recognising an equal right to work for women and men.
07 December 2009:
Effects of economic crisis on labour market
(Estonia / Information update)
An analysis by Statistics Estonia focuses on the impact of the economic crisis on the Estonian labour market. The current situation regarding unemployment and use of active and passive labour market policy measures are discussed, while proposals for further policy developments are outlined. The unemployment rate in Estonia has risen steeply and to deal with its consequences immediate action should be taken.
07 December 2009:
Reported health differences between working and non-working people
(Norway / Information update)
A significant number of people in Norway are defined as ‘non-working individuals’. Based on two comprehensive surveys – the Level of Living Survey 2006 and the Labour Force Survey 2006 – the group of non-working individuals was identified and their self-reported health was compared with that of workers. Although differences arise within the non-working group, the occurrence of all reported illnesses was higher for non-working individuals than for workers.