New work organisation, working conditions and quality of work: towards the flexible firm?

In order to remain competitive, the European Union Member States have to adopt new work organisations which are innovative and create a high quality of work. What impact have the new forms of work organisation had on workers and companies? Has it led to greater control over work and more flexibility? Or has it resulted in increased pressure and loss of control? This report focuses on the relationship between new forms of work and working conditions and the impact on the quality of work. It looks in particular at the effects on workers’ physical and mental health, safety, working time, lifelong learning, job security, job satisfaction and job control. It concludes that satisfaction with working life in Europe is determined by factors such as the pattern and duration of working time, the pace of work, job content and job autonomy. The literature used for the report is drawn from a variety of sources, including Foundation studies.