Survey data reports
Survey data reports from the Observatory network of national correspondents
Survey data reports are summaries of national working conditions survey findings in countries covered by the EWCO network. Results from these surveys provide an interesting complement to the results of the Foundation's own working conditions surveys. These national reports can be read in conjunction with the comparative analysis of national working conditions surveys carried out in 2003, which will be updated in 2006.
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21 March 2012: Stable working conditions with decline in work disability (Netherlands / Survey data report [ or view as 
size 173 kb])
The quality of work in the Netherlands remains quite stable, with a small increase in exposure to time pressure. Despite the stable working conditions, fewer workers feel that protective measures are needed. Changes in work disability regulations have led to far fewer workers dropping out of employment due to disability. However, it appears that some employees with health issues voluntarily choose to leave the workforce.
07 March 2012: Measuring the dynamics of organisational change and restructuring (EU Level / Survey data report [ or view as size 104 kb])
The Meadow project aims to establish Guidelines for collecting and interpreting data on organisational change and restructuring and their economic and social impact. The Guidelines contain two surveys: one for employers and one for employees. The surveys contain a wide range of questions relating to organisational dynamics and organisational change, capturing data from the perspective of both the employer and the employee.
23 January 2012: Trend of improved working conditions (Bulgaria / Survey data report [ or view as size 260 kb])
The results of this survey clearly show that working conditions in many sectors, and in the Bulgarian economy as a whole, have improved. Despite some areas of continuing concern, there has been a positive change in the attitude of both management and employees. Action taken to improve working conditions has, in some cases, exceeded the minimum legislative requirements. This trend developed in the years of sustained economic growth before 2008, and should be sustained during the present economic downturn.
19 December 2011: Older workers and employment (France / Survey data report [ or view as size 147 kb])
The ageing population and the consequent increase in the share of older workers in the workforce have raised concerns among both policy makers and social partners across Europe. In France, the employment rate of older workers is still below the EU average, although it has increased slightly in the last decade. The ‘Survey of the management of employees aged 50 and older’ (EGS50+) finds that while explicit ‘age management’ in French workplaces is now more common and employers’ views about older workers has improved, perceptions of workers who are over the age of 50 are still ambivalent.
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.
07 October 2011: Workers prone to stress and burn-out at work (Luxembourg / Survey data report [ or view as size 165 kb])
Through itssurvey ‘Well-being at work in Luxembourg 2010’carried out by TNS-ILRES in December 2009 to January 2010, the Luxembourg Chamber of Employees (CSL) sought to provide an insight into the feelings of Luxembourg workers in 2010 about their workplace. More than 1,500 employees (both Luxembourg residents and cross-border workers from Belgium, France and Germany) from various economic sectors were asked to answer questions on a range of issues including health and safety, work and society, psychosocial demands ofwork, andergonomics in the workplace.Astriking finding is the high proportion of workers (90%) who claim to have experienced some stress at work, with 20% admitting to having felt burn-out.
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.
24 August 2011: Work and employment conditions in Polish enterprises (Poland / Survey data report [ or view as size 187 kb])
This survey data report presents an analysis of data collected during 2005, 2007 and 2010 surveys conducted on representative, nationwide samples as part of the ‘Working Poles’ research project a team from the Warsaw School of Economics and commissioned by social partners. The surveys reflected public opinion on selected features of employment relations, labour law observance, working conditions and the response to the economic crisis. While the state of working conditions improved significantly (especially between 2005 and 2007), trends in labour law observance proved contradictory, and employment relations, approached from the institutional perspective, deteriorated.
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.