Videos related to the European Working Conditions Survey 2010
Autonomy at work
The extent to which workers can make their own decisions about has changed little in 20 years, according to the 5th European Working Conditions Survey. Autonomy has positive and negative aspects - it's a matter of getting the balance right. Hear more from Eurofound's experts in this short video.
Photos from the 5EWCS Launch Conference
First day of the 5EWCS Launch Conference
Highlights from the first day of the conference 'Working longer through better working conditions, new modes of work and career organisation', on 16-17 November 2010, in the Palais des Académies in Brussels, Belgium.
First findings
Work intensity among European workers is still high, and it has not increased over the past five years, according to the first findings of the 5th European Working Conditions Survey, out today 16 November 2010.
The survey also found that for most workers (67%), the pace of work is set by direct demands from people and working at high speeds remains high. The extent to which workers can make their own decisions about how they do their job has not improved, leaving a large number of workers ill-equipped to deal with work's demands. European workers also remain as exposed to physical hazards, however, as they did 20 years ago.
The fieldwork for the 5th EWCS took place from January to June 2010, with more than 43,000 workers interviewed in the EU27, Norway, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.
Survey methodology
The European Working Conditions Surveys (EWCS) provide valuable and unique comparative information about working conditions, including issues such as working time, exposure to risks at work, health and safety at work, work organisation, work-life balance, training, and overall job satisfaction. The underlying aim is to help social policymakers improve overall living and working conditions. The surveys also offer opportunities for workers to make their voices heard about the state of their working conditions, how working conditions and quality of work affect their lives, and how these change over time.
Eurofound has over two decades of experience in conducting working conditions surveys in Europe. Similar data collection systems exist at national and international level in Europe and further afield.
In cooperation with Gallup-Europe, Eurofound interviewed more than 43,000 workers in 34 European countries during the period January to April 2010. Each face-to-face interview were carried out in the person's home, covering a list of 120 questions and lasts about 40 minutes.
Conducting an international survey in many different countries and languages is very demanding in terms of organisational planning and procedures. In order to ensure that the survey is carried out to the highest specifications and scientific standards, a detailed methodological framework has been put in place.
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