Just transition

Protecting workers: What role for agile solutions?

Over the last decades, the world of work has changed dramatically. While the traditional career model is fading, self-employment and ‘gig’ working is becoming more commonplace and mobility across industries and geographies is increasing.

Digitalisation is a threat as much as an opportunity for workers, experts say

While digitalisation offers more flexible forms of work, it can also be a threat to well-being and encroach on work-life balance, policymakers warned during an event organised by EURACTIV.

The success of populism, and why it’s all about the middle class

Addressing the shrinking of the middle class is crucial to fight the rise of nationalism, protectionism and populism in the next European elections, Margherita Movarelli argues.

EU lawmakers give green light to strengthening parents and carers’ rights

The European Parliament backed on Thursday (4 April) the work-life balance directive, which introduces a set of minimum standards to help reconcile work and family responsibilities for parents and carers in Europe, and thus improve gender equality. 

Better work-life balance: closing the gender employment gap?

A positive work-life balance contributes to a more inclusive labour market, reducing the gender employment gap and raising individuals’ quality of life.

Gender balance in the workplace: ‘Not a women’s issue anymore’

The work-life balance directive is only a few steps away from becoming law after the European Parliament and EU member states reached political agreement in January. The new rules will boost women’s representation in the workplace while securing at least 10 days of paid parental leave for fathers.

Work vs family: how some countries lead the way in flexible working

Work pressures can impact on family life as many parents may feel unable to catch up with their family responsibilities because of work commitments. These pressures are particularly dramatic for new parents. Flexible working arrangements can help ease these tensions, RAND Europe argues.

Closing the gender digital gap, a priority for Commissioner Gabriel

Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society defended the need for a collective response to the digital gender gap on Tuesday (29 January), during a conference on gender equality organized by the Martens Center in Brussels.

The EU’s patchwork social pillar on work-life balance

The patchwork of policies on work-life balance across the EU reflect differing levels of commitment to the EU's Social Pillar.

MEPs and NGOs urge ministers to reach deal on Work-Life Balance directive

More than 3000 organisations and a group of senior MEPs have urged EU employment ministers to broker a common deal to open talks with MEPs on the Work-life Balance Directive next Thursday (21 June).

Strengthening workers’ voice, legal certainty for future Social Europe

A vital social democracy will play a decisive role in shaping the future of the European Union. The goal of a united Europe, contractually agreed by all EU member states, is to promote participatory democracy, writes Norbert Kluge.

Putting the social dimension on equal footing with the economy

An improved EU legislation that boosts workers’ information, consultation and participation rights will push social matters higher up on the EU political agenda, according to the participants of a symposium about workers held in Brussels on 26-27 April.

Longevity and the limits of the welfare state in Europe

In November 2017, the EU proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights. However, there are still many shortcomings within the current welfare state and unless policies reflect values then plummeting fertility rates or fading solidarity between young and old will persist, writes Anna Záborská.

EU must offer ‘an agenda of hope’, says Socialist leader Bullmann

There is no alternative to the European Union, but it needs to offer an 'agenda of hope' to Europeans, Udo Bullmann, MEP, the new leader of the Socialist and Democrat group, said in an interview with EURACTIV.  

In a new world of work, more of the same is not an option

With non-traditional employment contracts now the new norm I believe it is time to take a fresh approach to the working models of the future, writes Denis Pennel.

A new world of work, a new way of looking at it

A new white paper by the representative of Europe’s employment industry addresses the main issues surrounding the new world of work and calls on policymakers to adapt legislation and labour market policies in line with this new reality. Denis Pennel explains how things stand.

Quality of Life

Well-being and quality of life in a population, which are linked to factors such as standard of living, happiness, freedom and environmental health, are essential to economics and political science. Politicians are showing an increasing interest in developing a 'Gross National Happiness' index, similar to GDP.

Work-life balance ‘does not work for women’

Even in advanced economies, women are bearing the brunt of a lack of work-life balance, a panel at the Employment Week event found.

Commission looks at bright side of demographic change

Ageing populations and low birthrates should be seen as a challenge and an opportunity instead of a threat, according to a two-day forum on demographic change. 

Finns get to grips with working time

An new proposal from the Finnish presidency on the stalled Working Time Directive would allow the UK to maintain its opt-out from the directive's 48-hour cap, but introduce a 60-hour cap for all.

‘Working-time opt-out leaves employees no choice’

Under the opt-out scheme of the Working Time Directive, workers don't have a real choice of not working longer hours if their employer wants them to, say MEPs from the Parliament's two largest groups. 

Commission seeks right balance of life and work

More needs to be done to achieve a better balance between private and professional life, in particular for women, argues the Commission. Social partners have been asked to comment.