Browse by subject - Work-life balance
03 February 2012: Overtime hours decreasing but still high (Spain / Information update)
A report published by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) shows that the average number of hours worked each week by employees in Spain in 2008 was 38.5, compared to 38.4 in 2000. The union also says that 45 million hours of overtime were worked in 2010, almost half of which were unpaid. While the total number of extra hours worked has decreased during the last two years, overtime has actually increased in smaller companies, and its widespread use may be blocking the creation of new jobs.
14 October 2011: Rise in reported cases of bullying and violence at work (Denmark / Survey data report [ or view as 
size 136 kb])
The fifth Danish Work Environment Cohort Study, carried out in 2010 by the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, revealed both improvements and a decline in conditions for Danish workers. Compared with 2005, there was a significant increase in the number of people experiencing emotional demands and an increase in those reporting being exposed to bullying, violence and threats of violence. However, social support from colleagues and superiors increased. There was a decrease in the number of people exposed to traditional physical demands such as heavy lifting, but an increase in exposure to loud noise, body vibration and solvents.
26 September 2011: Fewer occupational accidents but more violence at work (Finland / Survey data report [ or view as size 116 kb])
The Finnish National Work and Health Survey of working conditions and occupational health is carried out every three years by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. This report examines trends in occupational accidents and violence, exposure to noise, vibration and chemical substances, physical workload, management interest in well-being at work, achieving work–life balance, health-related behaviour and the role of occupational health services.The desire to stay in work longer, better work–life balance and fewer occupational accidents are among the positive trends reported.
15 September 2011: Monitoring improvements in quality of work in Flanders (Belgium / Survey data report [ or view as size 120 kb])
In 2001 the Flemish Government and social partners agreed to increase substantially the quality of jobs in the region. The Flemish workability monitor was developed to help determine progress in implementing this policy. This survey data report reviews the methods and key findings of the workability monitor between 2004 and 2010. The ‘workability’or quality of work rate increased from 52.3% in 2004 to 54.3% in 2010. This means that over half of Flemish employees do not suffer from stress at work, have a job that motivates them and provides sufficient learning opportunities, and achieve work–life balance.
11 August 2011: Survey confirms effectiveness of collective agreements (Latvia / Information update)
The Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia’s seventh survey on working condition issues was conducted in February 2011. The survey investigated workers’ self-assessment of their psycho-emotional state, use of their annual holiday entitlement; frequency of overtime work and its remuneration; and the existence and effectiveness of collective agreements. Many respondents reported feeling tired, stressed, overworked and hopeless. Many also disliked their jobs.
11 July 2011: Balancing work and family life (Spain / Information update)
A study on new trends in human resource management by DBM Spain found that almost half of workers who leave their jobs voluntarily do so due to their need to balance work and family life. Policies to improve work–life balance used by companies include making the working day flexible, providing services such as nurseries, and ensuring equality of opportunities for women. Multinational companies offer the best options to their employees to reconcile work and family demands.
20 May 2011: Enhancing the well-being of miners (Finland / Information update)
The main aim of a comprehensive, three-year Finnish mining occupational health and safety (OSH) project was to improve safety, security and cooperation and have a direct positive impact on occupational well-being. Information was gathered on successful and well-functioning safety practices and made available to all mining companies in Finland. The collaborative project also developed new tools for evaluating and developing OSH practices in mines.
09 May 2011: Reconciliation of work, private and family life in the European Union (EU Level / Survey data report [ or view as size 187 kb])
The reconciliation of work, private and family life is a key area for European employment policy, which aims to increase the participation of both men and women in the labour market and to encourage initiatives to support the health and well-being of employees. This survey data report examines employment rates for men and women, the impact of children on labour market participation, the various forms of flexibility to support the reconciliation of work and family life (part-time work, flexibility of working time, work organisation and place of work) and the satisfaction of individuals with their work–life balance.
15 March 2011: Quality of work in the crisis (EU Level / Information update)
The report issued by the Employment Committee in November 2010 on quality of work in the EU was based on the findings of a thematic review in June 2010 which sought to exchange experiences about labour market policies intended to promote quality of work, with a focus on measures designed to manage the economic crisis. The report examines actions by Member States in areas such as skills development, health and safety, work–life balance, flexibility and adequate earnings.
15 March 2011: Effects of shift work in the Norwegian petroleum industry on family and social life (Norway / Information update)
The effects of working shifts on 1,697 workers in the Norwegian petroleum industry on social and domestic/family life were investigated based on responses to a questionnaire on work–life balance. Although some problems were reported, especially for the group working ‘one day period and one night period offshore’, most participants reported few problems, suggesting that the availability of more leisure time may be a positive feature of shift work in the industry.
23 November 2010: Key elements of fair employment and decent work (EU Level / Information update)
One section of the report ‘Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health’ issued by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health and published by the World Health Organization focuses on the issues of fair employment and decent work. It examines a range of issues related to working conditions and presents a series of recommendations on how to improve factors relevant to achieving fair employment and decent work.
19 October 2010: Impact of recession on Millennials’ career expectations (Belgium / Information update)
A Belgian study investigated the effects of generational, contextual and individual influences on the career expectations of those born between 1980 and 2000 (the Millennial generation). Economic recession leads to lower levels of optimism. In times of recession, Millennials have lower expectations about work–life balance and social atmosphere but their expectations regarding job content, training, career development and financial rewards remain high.
04 October 2010: Checks on efforts to reconcile work and family life (Slovakia / Information update)
In 2009, Slovak labour inspectors carried out checks to find out how family-friendly employers are and how ready they are to meet the needs of families. The inspectors looked at how well employers complied with the law – particularly the provisions of the Labour Code that create preconditions for employment of people with family obligations. The options of flexible working hours and working time arrangements at the request of employees were found to be the most popular.
31 August 2010: Poverty, social exclusion and single parent families (Cyprus / Information update)
Collaborative research compared approaches to addressing social exclusion and poverty relating to single parent families and their children in Cyprus, Greece and the UK. The survey investigated issues relating to poverty and social exclusion using a mixture of semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus groups with children of single parent families, in parallel with focus groups of single parents. This article summarises the survey’s findings for Cyprus.
23 April 2010: More measures needed to attract people to teaching (Belgium / Information update)
Teachers are often stereotyped as complaining about their job. Research shows, however, that they are relatively satisfied with their job. Moreover, the number of teachers who quit their job is relatively low. Nevertheless, the education sector has found it difficult to attract new people to the teaching profession. These are among the results of a comprehensive study on the teaching profession, based on focus group interviews and secondary analysis of data.
16 April 2010: Comparative analysis of working time in the European Union (TRANS NATIONAL / Comparative analytical report [ or view as size 529 kb])
The number of hours worked every week or year, and the way in which work is organised, are issues of central concern and interest to both employees and employers. In the case of employees, working hours have a direct bearing on standard of living, level of work–life balance and the overall sustainability of working life. For employers, working time is a key element in the calculation of costs, productivity and competitiveness. Working time, and its regulation, is likewise an important policy issue for national governments. This report, covering the 27 Member States of the EU and Norway, focuses on changes in working time and practices relating to the organisation of work over the period 2000-2006.
22 March 2010: Differences in corporate family policies between MNC HQ and Czech subsidiary (Czech Republic / Information update)
Companies operating in different countries do not automatically adopt the same approach towards working parents or regarding work–life balance. Case studies carried out at the headquarters of engineering companies in France, Germany and Sweden and in their Czech subsidiaries pointed to differences and identified factors which determine corporate family policies, highlighting the role of cultural and historical impacts, state policy and stakeholders’ behaviour.
12 March 2010: Fathers’ experience of parental leave (Malta / Information update)
A study on ‘Fathers on parental leave’ in Malta, commissioned by the Employment and Training Corporation, carried out research on fathers on leave, employers and decision makers. The study analyses the motivating factors that encouraged 10 Maltese fathers to take parental leave. It also looks at the obstacles that they encountered and how employers dealt with the issue of men taking parental leave. Overall, the practice of men taking parental leave in Malta remains low.
08 March 2010: Benefits of work–life balance measures in SMEs (Italy / Information update)
The Confederation of Italian Industry has published a report summarising a wide range of work–life balance practices in small and medium-sized enterprises. Contrary to widespread opinion among employers and their representative associations, improvement of work–life balance is not related to company size or to the company’s financial conditions but it is strongly influenced by the employer’s cultural affirmative attitude and the flexibility of labour relations.
20 January 2010: Role of public employment service in reconciling work and family life (Slovenia / Information update)
The increased attention that has recently been given to the issue of reconciling work and family life has motivated Slovenia’s Employment Service (ZRSZ) to examine the possibilities of playing a more active role in this matter. One research project analysed the attitudes of employees and employers towards reconciliation and identified some directives for the ZRSZ to follow.
20 January 2010: Majority of employers adopt work–life balance measures (Malta / Information update)
In 2009, the Employment and Training Corporation published a study on work–life reconciliation measures in the private sector, examining which measures were being requested by and offered to Maltese employees. The study also sought to identify the major obstacles and concerns of employers in implementing such measures, while offering suggestions on how these could be increased through policy changes and incentives to employers.
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.
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.
02 December 2009: Role of managers in facilitating work–life balance (Ireland / Information update)
A recent research paper by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions concludes that the continued dominance of a working culture characterised by long hours and ‘presenteeism’ runs counter to attempts to achieve work–life balance. In such a climate, work–life balance arrangements are not seen as compatible with management roles. Furthermore, there is a lack of managerial role models willing to display any contrary behaviour and a fear of alternative working patterns.
20 November 2009: Gender differences in quality of work and life (Bulgaria / Information update)
A study carried out in the framework of the project ‘QUALITY of life in a changing Europe’ aimed to review gender differences in quality of work and life. The survey findings show that men are in more privileged positions at work, while women are more committed to the company. Gender differences are registered concerning most of the study’s indicators of work quality, including autonomy, job satisfaction, supervisor support, job security and work–life balance.
05 October 2009: Working conditions and quality of life in Spanish workplaces (Spain / Survey data report [ or view as size 92 kb])
The Sixth National Survey on Working Conditions reveals that almost one quarter of workers consider that their work is affecting their health, and almost three quarters suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, 71% consider that they are exposed to some kind of risk in the workplace. In general, the most affected occupational groups from more demanding working conditions are healthcare staff, construction workers, farmers, drivers, stockbreeders and fishermen. On the other hand, the 2007 survey on Quality of Life in the Workplace shows that 70.6% of Spanish workers are either satisfied or very satisfied with their job. The survey also reveals that significant differences remain between the sexes in caring activities with children.
25 September 2009: Commuting patterns among Hungarian employees (Hungary / Information update)
A study was carried out to explore Hungarian workers’ commuting patterns and experience. The study examined the means of transport used, the duration of the travel, the distance between the workplace and home, and the commuting area. In addition, the survey explored demographic, occupational and sectoral aspects of commuting. Almost 95% of all employed people use some means of transport to get to their workplaces.
25 September 2009: New tool for measuring quality of working life (Czech Republic / Information update)
A new tool has been designed to measure the quality of working life in the Czech Republic, based on subjective assessments of workers. The tool is based on standard, large-scale questionnaire surveys. It aims to map a wide range of aspects characterising working life, while taking into account not only an individual’s satisfaction with each aspect of work but also the importance of these factors for the worker.
14 September 2009: OECD report finds disparities between EU Member States (EU Level / Information update)
Society at a Glance 2009 is the fifth edition of the biennial compendium of social indicators by the Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD). It gives an overview of social trends and policy developments in OECD countries using indicators taken from OECD studies and other sources. The 2009 edition contains a special chapter on ‘Measuring leisure in OECD countries’ discussing the difficulties in defining meaningful and comparable indicators of leisure.
29 July 2009: Managing employee maternity or parental leave (Czech Republic / Information update)
In 84% of Czech companies, some employees took maternity or parental leave in the past five years. Some companies try to stay in touch with the employee, which helps to an extent in solving complications related to the interruption of employment. Other strategies include inviting the absent employees to participate in meetings, enabling access to corporate email and the company intranet, or allowing the employee to work from home or part time.
10 July 2009: Back-to-work mothers call for better work–life balance (Germany / Information update)
In 2008, new findings on the situation of mothers returning to work reveal that almost half of all female employees work shorter hours, in low-paid ‘mini-jobs’ or as freelancers. Their careers are disrupted more often than those of men, mostly due to childcare leave. However, women’s views differ on the obstacles to returning to work. While in some cases traditional ideas and values influence views on parenthood, many women call for concrete measures to improve work–life balance.
29 June 2009: Impact of flexible working on work–life conflict and work pressure (Ireland / Information update)
In January 2009, Ireland’s Economic and Social Research Institute published the findings of a study on the impact of four flexible working arrangements – flexitime, part-time hours, homeworking and job sharing – on two key employee outcomes – work pressure and work–life conflict. Using national survey data from 2003, the results show that part-time work and flexitime tend to reduce work pressure and work–life conflict, while homeworking increases both outcomes.
20 May 2009: Gender balance in work and family life (Lithuania / Survey data report [ or view as size 329 kb])
The findings of a 2007 survey on the reconciliation of work and family life reveal that Lithuanian society is still quite conservative about sharing family responsibilities between men and women. The main barrier to achieving a better balance between work and family life continues to be the personal attitudes of the respondents themselves. Workers who strive for higher wages and better career prospects tend to give a higher priority to work than to family life.
16 March 2009: Employers show support for family-friendly measures (Malta / Information update)
In 2008, the Malta Employers’ Association conducted a study on family-friendly measures in the public and private sectors. The research aimed to determine how employers deal with requests for family-friendly measures, the type of requests received and how government can help to enhance such measures. Overall, 71% of respondents have never refused requests for family-friendly measures and 89% believe that they are conducive to higher female labour market participation.
16 March 2009: Gender inequality in work–life balance (Italy / Information update)
A study on reconciling work and family, carried out by the National Institute for Statistics, reveals significant inequalities between men and women from a work–life balance perspective. Regarding employed couples, Italian women bear a greater burden of care responsibilities than women from other European Union Member States, while Italian men are the least involved in such work among all of the men surveyed in Europe.
02 March 2009: Gender pay gap still apparent in management posts (Czech Republic / Information update)
Access to management positions is not restricted for women in the Czech Republic; nevertheless, they face many obstacles in reaching the pay levels of men in similar positions. Women tend to occupy high posts in the services sector, in less-well paid branches of industry and in less prestigious companies. This is the main cause of the high gender pay gap in management, as is the concern over female managers’ ability to reconcile a demanding profession with family life.
23 February 2009: New research on call centre industry (Malta / Information update)
In 2008, the Employment and Training Corporation commissioned a study focusing on Malta’s growing call centre industry. The study aimed to gain a better insight into the current state of the industry in terms of employment and skills requirements. It also includes a special focus on the industry in the Maltese island of Gozo. The study encompasses a range of findings – including on type of employment contracts, remuneration levels and extent of staff turnover.
05 January 2009: Women satisfied with current division of labour (Denmark / Information update)
A study on equality in Denmark questions the existence of real gender equality. Based on a survey, the study focuses not only on the division of labour at work, but also on the division of labour in households. It concludes that gender inequality might stem from an actual difference in personal preferences and reveals high levels of satisfaction with the current division of labour. However, another possibility is that the gender differences stem from society structures.
22 December 2008: Recommendations for improving work–life balance (Cyprus / Information update)
A joint research study recommending measures for enhancing people’s work–life balance was published in December 2007. The study describes the current situation in this regard in Cyprus and gives an insight into people’s awareness of this issue. It also proposes measures to improve paternity leave, parental leave, working time organisation, and childcare structures and services. The findings should be used as a basis for public debate towards the creation of targeted policies.
22 December 2008: Men’s attitudes to sharing parenting tasks (Bulgaria / Information update)
A survey conducted in 2005–2006 by the Bulgarian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy as part of an EU project aimed to investigate working men’s perceptions of shared parenthood. The survey indicates that traditions are still very strong in Bulgarian society and that stereotypical views on the family roles of the two parents – with the mother being responsible for childcare and the father being the ‘breadwinner’ – still predominate.
24 November 2008: Encouraging men to play a more active role in caring (Slovenia / Information update)
A Slovenian study conducted as part of the‘Fostering caring masculinities’ (FOCUS) project sought to examine male employees’ and managers’ attitudes to measures for balancing work and private or family life. Among the findings, the study indicates that parental leave provisions are mainly taken up by women and that men only avail of such measures in exceptional cases, fearing that it may have negative implications in the workplace.
13 October 2008: Employers agree on need to balance family and work interests (Lithuania / Information update)
Within the framework of the EU EQUAL initiative, the project‘FORWARD! Family and work reconciliation development’ included a sociological survey to identify employers’ attitudes towards ways of reconciling employees’ family and work interests. While the survey findings reveal a generally positive attitude towards family-friendly policy measures, the study also found negative, paternal attitudes, based on the more traditional roles of men and women.
03 September 2008: Work–life balance policies benefit working parents (Denmark / Information update)
A new study suggests that Danish labour market regulations tend to favour working parents. Other types of working carers have fewer entitlements, despite recent demographic changes and political efforts to mobilise women and older workers, and to encourage families to take a more active role in caring for elderly people. The study examines how the work–life balance needs of different types of employees are addressed in Denmark, and compares the Danish regulations with those in other countries.
25 June 2008: Low uptake of flexible work arrangements in public administration (Czech Republic / Information update)
Flexible working arrangements are still underused in public administration throughout the Czech Republic, acording to a recent study. The level of part-time work in public administration, for example, is just 2.3%, a much lower figure than the Czech and European averages. Regarding the underuse of flexible working arrangements, the institutions surveyed cited organisational factors such as the need to have staff working during public hours and a lack of demand.
09 May 2008: Workers rate training provision and good working environment most important (Spain / Information update)
A recent study by the temporary work agency Adecco reveals that Spanish workers regard training, health insurance, financial subsidies for children’s education and pension schemes as the most important provisions offered by their employers. The study also finds that workers consider recognition by their superiors and a good team spirit among colleagues as the most essential aspects for a good working environment.
30 April 2008: Perceptions of the impact of work on private life (Czech Republic / Information update)
A recent survey reveals that the majority of Czech people perceive no conflict between their work and family life. Overall, 66% of Czech workers seem to manage their professional and family duties without difficulty. About 90% of workers think that work has no influence on their family relationships or that the impact is positive. However, 40% of young women with no children and 23% of men believe that starting a family would be an obstacle to career advancement.
30 April 2008: Factors impacting negatively on work–life balance (Netherlands / Information update)
The problem of work interfering with home life – otherwise known as ‘work–home interference’ – appears to be stabilising in the Netherlands. However, it remains a significant problem for higher educated workers in the middle age group. Work seems to impact on home life up to twice as often as home life impacts on work. Work pressure is an important explanatory factor in variable work–home interference levels, followed by the number of hours worked and education.
21 April 2008: Young employees and family-friendly work practices (Slovenia / Information update)
A research project sought to examine young parents’ situation in the labour market. Young people often work long hours, and combining work and family is challenging, as employers do not usually have family-friendly policies in place. The employee survey focused on issues of employment and work organisation, parental leave, work–life balance and discrimination. Case studies revealed that employers have little interest in adopting family-friendly policies.
04 March 2008: Flexible working hours can hinder work–life balance (Norway / Information update)
One of the most important measures in attempting to enhance employees’ opportunities for maintaining a work–life balance has been to increase flexibility in working time. However, results from the Level of Living Survey 2006 indicate that the link between flexibility and work–life balance is not straightforward, and that it may depend for example on working hours and occupation. Predictability of working time also seems to be an important factor.
08 January 2008: Flexible working hours seen as key to better work–life balance (Portugal / Information update)
The majority of Portuguese employees believe that they still do not enjoy a perfect work–life balance and that this has a negative impact on their health, according to the findings of a recent study carried out by the International Research Institutes. More flexibility in working hours seems to be the preferred solution to improving the balance between work and private life. However, many workers in Portugal do not regard work–life balance as a priority issue.
18 December 2007: Few Spanish workers benefit from flexible working time (Spain / Information update)
A recent study found that fewer than 9% of workers in Spain benefit from flexible working time, well below the 23% average for the 25 EU Member States up to 1 January 2007. More specifically, 8% of working men and 9.2% of working women in Spain enjoy flexible working time practices at work. The option of modifying the start and finish time within a predefined working timetable is the most common flexibility practice at national level, both for men and women.
29 October 2007: Working time flexibility improves work–life balance of working parents (Finland / Information update)
According to the Finnish Quality of Work Life Survey 2003, the possibility to use working time flexibility sufficiently for one’s own needs significantly contributes to the work–life balance of Finnish working parents. However, compared with employees with no children, working parents do not seem to have access to greater possibilities for this kind of positive flexibility of working time. Moreover, men can typically influence their working hours more than women can.
09 October 2007: Barriers to promotion for female managers (Spain / Information update)
The Centre for Sociological Research recently published a study analysing the factors that hinder Spanish female managers reaching senior management positions, according to the perceptions of female managers. In this respect, having children is perceived as one of the most significant barriers to pursuing a professional career, especially among the youngest managers.
27 August 2007: Need for greater flexibility in parental benefit system (Estonia / Information update)
In recent months, two studies have highlighted the need for more flexibility in Estonia’s parental leave and parental benefit system. The reports suggest making it easier to combine part-time work and part-time parental leave. Fathers should also be encouraged to take parental leave. At present, traditional gender roles prevail and women’s careers are undermined by lengthy breaks away from the workplace.
20 August 2007: Home teleworkers need more time to recover after work (Netherlands / Information update)
In the Netherlands, on average 4.6% of employees perform normal working hours at home. However, large differences emerge between occupational groups and in the relation between job demands and hours worked at home. Although working at home is perceived as improving work–life balance, in fact it is associated with needing more time for recovery after work. This may partly be caused by high job demands.
13 August 2007: Negative impact of job demands on work–life balance of police officers (Netherlands / Information update)
Work demands may interfere with a person’s ability to function in the non-work domain. This phenonemon of ‘work–home interference’ has been found to lead to depression and fatigue among Dutch police officers; moreover, such health problems accumulate if this work situation is sustained over a one-year period. In order to foster employee well-being, workers should be supported in balancing their work and non-work lives.
06 August 2007: Parliamentary report recommends actions to improve work–life balance (Spain / Information update)
The Spanish parliament has recently approved a report on the regulation and adaptation of working time and work flexibility in Spain, aimed at reconciling work, family and personal life. This report underlines the existing gender-related differences with regard to work–life balance and provides a number of recommendations for improving the situation, both for public institutions and private enterprises.
30 July 2007: More progress in gender equality needed (Greece / Information update)
A study commissioned by the Research Centre for Gender Equality (KETHI) analysed the policies that have been developed at European level, and particularly at national level, to promote the employment of women. According to the authors, the gender dimension of employment policies at both European and national levels is a relatively recent development, which coincided with the promotion of gender equality indirectly, through special measures designed to promote female employment. The study was first published in February 2005 by KETHI.
09 July 2007: Low degree of working time flexibility (Bulgaria / Information update)
The official labour market in Bulgaria remains relatively inflexible with regard to working time. Despite labour law amendments granting employers the freedom to reduce or increase working time and to offer part-time and flexible working arrangements, only about 2% of employees work part time and 3% work on temporary contracts. Other flexible arrangements in companies are rare.
05 July 2007: Quality in work and employment — Spain (Spain / National Contribution)
After decades when high unemployment rates were the main problem of the Spanish labour market, nowadays the debate on quality of work in Spain is dominated by the question of temporary employment and how to reduce the excessive proportion of fixed term contracts. These contracts are generally related to deficient working conditions in all the considered domains. Thus a number of measures are being put in practice as a result of a prolonged process of agreement amongst social partners in order to establish a new balance between flexibility and security in employment. Health and safety at work is another subject high on the agenda, with a severe rate of work accidents, in spite of improvements in prevention systems. Also work-life balance is gaining importance within the quality of work scene.
02 July 2007: Employer attitudes towards employees with preschool age children (Lithuania / Information update)
In the framework of the EQUAL initiative, a Lithuanian project aimed to minimise the labour market exclusion of families with young children. Some 30 employers were interviewed in order to ascertain their attitude towards employees – primarily women – with preschool age children. Less than half of the employers facilitated their employees with preschool age children in reconciling their family and work life.
11 June 2007: Inflexible working hours an obstacle to work–life balance (Lithuania / Information update)
In 2005, a survey of families and parents with preschool-age children was carried out in Lithuania as part of the implementation of the EQUAL project on reconciling work and family life. The survey aimed to define the needs of such families/parents in balancing work and family duties. It revealed that 76% of employees faced some difficulties in reconciling work and childcare. As a result, the respondents are calling for longer opening hours of preschool education facilities.
27 April 2007: Gender differences in reasons for working from home (Czech Republic / Information update)
The findings of the 2005 ‘Generations and gender survey’ reveal that women in the Czech Republic opt to work from home for different reasons than men do. Differences between both sexes also emerge when taking into account the life cycle and career. Men usually work from home at an older age and later stage of their career while women make use of this form of work throughout their entire working life, with a slight increase in such activity among women in the 35–44 years age group. Moreover, it appears that the presence of a dependent child in the household is a trigger for women to work from home.
16 April 2007: Time use survey highlights changing working conditions (Latvia / Survey data report [ or view as size 358 kb])
The latest population time use survey indicates changes in the profile of time use in Latvia in 2003, compared with 1996. In 2003, all workers used a greater part of the total weekly time budget (168 hours) for personal care and sleep; however, men spent a greater part of the total time in paid work. Moreover, there was an increase in travel or commuting time. The survey also shows differences in time use between those in paid employment and others, according to sex and geographical location. Time use surveys are primarily a quality of life indicator, but they also contain useful data regarding working conditions.
04 April 2007: Factors behind low take-up of parental leave (Romania / Information update)
The study entitled ‘Women and men in Romania: Reconciling work and family life’, published by the National Institute of Statistics in 2006, indicates that only 17% of people entitled to parental leave in Romania took advantage of it. The reasons for the low take-up vary according to sex and level of education.
13 March 2007: Survey highlights rise in psychosocial demands at work (Denmark / Survey data report [ or view as size 369 kb])
The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, formerly the National Institute of Occupational Health, has conducted the fourth Danish Work Environment Cohort Study (DWECS) covering the five-year period 2000–2005. The 2005 results indicate no clear trend of overall better or worse conditions for workers. Nevertheless, an increase in psychosocial demands at the workplace has been identified, such as a high pace of work, a demanding workload and emotional demands. Conversely, the study also reveals increases in decision latitude, better future prospects in the job and more support for workers from superiors. However, considerable differences among workers persist in relation to jobs, sectors and gender.
02 March 2007: Work and employment in the creative industries (Austria / Information update)
Between July 2004 and January 2007, Joanneum Research and FORBA carried out a research project focusing on work and employment in selected subsectors of the ‘creative industries’ in the capital city, Vienna. The five subsectors examined were advertising, architecture, design (graphic, product and fashion), film, radio and video, and multimedia. As part of the project, a quantitative survey was carried out among 910 workers in Vienna’s creative industries.
12 February 2007: High levels of stress among sales workers and cashiers (Cyprus / Information update)
In July 2006, the Cyprus Workers’ Confederation (SEK) published a study on the subject of workplace health and safety, and the balance that women manage to achieve between family and working life. The study focused on women who are employed as sales workers, cashiers or clerks. Overall, one third of the women surveyed were not familiar with health and safety legislation, although an increased proportion of the women were aware of legislation regarding pregnancy and maternity leave. Significant obstacles remain in relation to reconciling work and family life.
05 February 2007: Employment rates of women and men with children (Finland / Information update)
Employment rates declined in Finland during the recession in the early 1990s. In recent years, the employment rate of fathers has almost returned to the level of the 1980s whereas mothers’ employment rates have not risen equally, according to the study ‘Mothers and fathers in the labour market 1989-2002/2003’. During the recession, mothers increasingly took advantage of home care leave, which allows the parent to stay at home until the child is three years old. This has been reflected in women’s lower employment rate since unlike the situation for parental leave, parents on home care leave are not counted as part of the labour force.
23 January 2007: Barriers to reconciling work and family life identified (Spain / Information update)
A study published by the Spanish Social and Economic Council, based on data from the labour force survey, shows that 18.1% of Spanish workers would like to change their current working time arrangements. The majority of these workers, especially women, would prefer to spend less time at work outside the home and to have more time to take care of children and other family members. However, current working times and practices in Spain do not favour flexible arrangements for workers. Meanwhile, workers consider that the availability of social services to look after children or other dependants is scarce and expensive. Finally, available data show that women are assuming a greater role in the workplace, while also maintaining their traditional family role, thus taking on a greater workload overall in comparison to Spanish men.
23 January 2007: Not much flexibility in working time arrangements (Malta / Information update)
The National Statistics Office published survey findings regarding the different working time arrangements in the Maltese labour market. The study reveals that the average number of hours normally worked is 38.1 hours per week. However, 7.2% of all Maltese employees work more than their usual hours due to overtime. The average number of overtime hours is 9.7 hours per week.
12 December 2006: Impact of income on childcare and work–life balance (France / Information update)
In 2002, 46% of mothers of children under the age of seven years were not in paid employment and the same was true for 53% of mothers of children below school age, according to a recent analysis of the 2002 survey on childcare arrangements for young children in France. The analysis reveals that working time constraints are much higher for working parents in lower income groups, and that parents in these groups spend considerably more time minding their children than those with higher incomes. Only 56% of families with a low income avail of fee-paying childcare facilities, compared with 91% of high income families.
23 October 2006: Factors influencing take-up of paternity leave (United Kingdom / Information update)
In 2006, the Equal Opportunities Commission published new research on the take-up of parental leave, particularly paternity leave by fathers. The study combined data from two previous surveys investigating the take-up of parental leave from the perspectives of fathers and mothers respectively. The 2006 report focuses on fathers’ attitudes and practices within a family context. Financial constraints, employer practices and personal attitudes were found to play a major role in fathers’ decisions in relation to paternity leave.
23 October 2006: Attitudes towards gender equality in the workplace (Estonia / Information update)
Although the gender gap in labour market participation has narrowed, gender differences in everyday experiences in the workplace and wage levels persist. Most men and a large proportion of women support the traditional division of labour, find differences in salaries justifiable and regard family and childcare as being mainly the responsibility of women. Meanwhile, the number of women preferring to work part time has increased.
14 August 2006: Participation in adult education and lifelong learning (Malta / Information update)
Participation rates in adult education centres are increasing in Malta, with subjects such as handicrafts, computing, and arts and humanities representing the most popular areas of study. This is the main finding of a 2005 survey on adult education and lifelong learning in Malta, conducted by the National Statistics Office.
11 July 2006: Fathers taking parental leave: impact on work–life balance (Czech Republic / Information update)
Only 1.4% of parental leave is taken by men in the Czech Republic, according to qualitative and quantitative research that investigated the family situation where the father takes responsibility for all-day childcare. Results from the qualitative part of the survey reveal the most common strategies that partners use to share the period of parental leave (three to four years), and the main reasons for the gender breakdown of parental leave.
11 July 2006: Work–life balance policies: a win-win situation for all (Germany / Information update)
Some three quarters of German employees regard family-friendly policies as advantageous not only for themselves, but also for employers. The results of a recent study reveal that enterprises particularly benefit from outcomes such as increased employee motivation, reduced staff turnover, an improved work atmosphere and less family-related absenteeism.
24 March 2006: Reconciling work and family life in the financial services sector (Spain / Information update)
Two of the largest Spanish banks, BBVA and Banco Popular, are the first companies in Spain’s financial services sector to introduce plans aimed at a better work–life balance. These plans have been negotiated with the employee representatives, and include a wide array of measures.
24 March 2006: Working time after parental leave (Sweden / Information update)
Significant differences exist in the proportion of women working full time before and after taking parental leave for their first child, a recently published report reveals. The report also highlights working time differences by sector and occupation level.
21 November 2005: Teleworking at home (Germany / Information update)
A study on teleworking at home explores the motivations of employees and employers in adopting this form of work. It also examines the impact of telework on work organisation, work–life balance and work values. Four main types of telework can be distinguished.
21 December 2004: Working time in Germany (Germany / Information update)
In today’s workplace, employees are expected to comply with a high degree of work-time flexibility. However, long working hours and time pressures mean greater health risks.
27 August 2004: Challenges of achieving a work–life balance in Spain (Spain / Information update)
According to a new report, measures aimed at balancing work and family life are in short supply in Spain and those that exist are found to be ineffective. New initiatives and public measures are required, as well as a change in cultural attitudes. Companies in particular need to be convinced of the importance of accepting workers’ needs with respect to family issues.
10 August 2004: New working time model involves change of culture (Germany / Information update)
The model of working time on trust needs to be embedded in working time cultures and work organisations in order to be viewed positively in terms of enhancing working conditions.
26 April 2004: Low uptake of working time accounts (Germany / Information update)
According to a recent study, employees in Germany are not taking advantage of working time accounts, which have opened up the possibility of greater working time flexibility. Deficits in staffing and work organisation on the part of employers mean that there are also challenges in implementation.
04 December 2003: Job autonomy varies with income and qualifications (Denmark / Information update)
A new report, Degrees of job autonomy, (in Danish, Dimensioner af frihed i arbejdslivet), commissioned by the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (Landsorganisationen, LO), reveals that inequalities in the labour market are not only reflected in income differences but also in non-financial aspects, such as levels of job control, job development and job security.