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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20 August 2010: Demographic change and work in Europe (EU Level / Survey data report [ or view as 
size 116 kb])
Demographic change is, without any doubt, one of the megatrends that will influence Europe in many ways during the next decades. The European Council and the European Commission have recognised this for some years now and it has even been reflected in the EU Treaty. This report focuses on the most relevant probable effects of demographic change on work in Europe – a shrinking workforce and the changing composition of this workforce.
09 April 2010: Survey explores trends in working environment and health (Sweden / Survey data report [ or view as size 123 kb])
The Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health aims to study relations between the work environment and health over time. It follows on from the 2003 and 2005 Swedish Work Environment Surveys, and intends to follow the same group of people with questions about working and living conditions and health. Research based on the survey has covered issues such as downsizing, leadership, control and flexibility, and their consequences for health.
15 March 2010: Continuing vocational training in enterprises (Hungary / Survey data report [ or view as size 105 kb])
Training at the workplace is of paramount importance, in terms of enhancing economic growth, promoting adjustment to labour market demands, dealing with unemployment and ensuring social security. The primary aim of the study, prepared in 2006 and reflecting the situation in 2005, was to gain a thorough and better understanding of the investment in human resources by enterprises employing more than 10 workers.
26 January 2010: Changes in the quality of working life over four decades (Finland / Survey data report [ or view as size 84 kb])
The Finnish Quality of Work Life Surveys between 1977 and 2008 analyse working conditions over four decades. The data reveal that work continues to be an important area of life for Finnish people. Workers remain loyal to their workplace and committed to their work. The results also show changes in many respects. Opportunities for self-development and influencing work have grown, and work has become more varied. However, the mental burden of work, time pressure and job uncertainties have risen.
20 January 2010: Survey highlights rural-urban divide in workplace health and safety (Romania / Survey data report [ or view as size 263 kb])
The National Institute of Statistics conducted an ad hoc module on health and safety at the workplace as part of the Household Labour Force Survey in the second quarter of 2007. Among the main topics covered were accidents at the workplace and factors that may impair physical and mental health at work. The survey highlights significant differences according to sector, employment status, age, gender and location, revealing a distinct rural–urban divide.
30 November 2009: Rise in psychosocial risk factors at the workplace (France / Survey data report [ or view as size 192 kb])
There has been huge changes in recent decades in the content, organisation and employment status of work. Results from the 2005 Working Conditions Survey in France indicate that besides the usual trends and changes across categories – such as economic sectors or occupational groups – working conditions have changed in an uneven way across the salaried population, with some subgroups experiencing higher demands. The second major development is the growing impact of psychosocial factors at the workplace. This is a new dimension, where the challenges are high and acquiring information on the subject necessitates developing new tools such as updated surveys and new monitoring systems.
20 November 2009: Irish employee training and skills survey (Ireland / Survey data report [ or view as size 215 kb])
A new working conditions survey assessing employee skills and training levels in Ireland was published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in February 2009. The survey reveals that 45.5% of all enterprises provided internal and/or external training courses for their employees. Course attendees spent an average of 3.2 days on courses, while employers spent an average of €254 per employee on training. The study points to considerable differences in training provision and skills shortages by sector and company size. A particularly significant finding is the high percentage of enterprises that have acute shortages of managerial skills.
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.
21 September 2009: Gender perspective on working conditions in Slovakia (Slovakia / Survey data report [ or view as size 107 kb])
A Slovakian survey on ‘Gender, work and health’ has examined employee opinions and attitudes in relation to working conditions – especially occupational health and safety – from a gender perspective. Gender segregation is still apparent in the workplace. Men are more likely to be offered physically arduous work, whereas such work is considered unsuitable for women. However, women employed in industry often perform monotonous, repetitive tasks, which are also a health risk.
05 August 2009: Slovenian work values before and after EU accession (Slovenia / Survey data report [ or view as size 401 kb])
This report presents the preferences and opinions of Slovenians regarding aspects of working conditions in 1997 and 2005. The results are based on the Slovene Public Opinion Survey as part of the Work Orientations module of the International Social Survey Programme. The survey reveals that what people deem important in their work has remained relatively stable over time: job security, having an interesting job and a high income were the most important work values in both 1997 and 2005.