European Working Conditions Survey 2024: Weighting report

Weighting is necessary in order to adjust the EWCS sample to accurately reflect the true worker population in each country enabling valid cross‑country comparisons. Without weighting, survey estimates would be biased toward groups that are easier to contact or more willing to participate.  

Design weights correct for unequal selection probabilities in multi‑stage sampling, while non‑response adjustments compensate for differences in participation by age, sex, region or employment status. Calibration aligns survey totals with reliable population benchmarks, such as labour force statistics.  

The report outlines how survey weights were constructed to correct for design differences, uneven sampling and non-response across all participating countries.  

Design weights were first calculated as the inverse of the probability of selection, incorporating stratum allocation, PSU‑level deviations, and within‑household selection. Extreme PSU weights were capped. Weights were then rescaled so totals matched each country’s labour force population. Calibration adjusted weights to align with population benchmarks for age, sex, occupation and sector, while preventing extreme g‑weights that inflate variance.  

Quality checks assessed convergence, distribution of g‑weights, and plausibility of corrections. Design effects and effective sample sizes were calculated to quantify the impact of weighting on precision.