Labour Market and Social Affairs

Globalisation, technological change and demographic shifts are all contributing to significant changes to the world of work. A change in demand for certain skills and abilities in the labour market has resulted in structural imbalances such as shortages or mismatches for certain jobs.

At the same time, many persons continue to face unemployment due to disadvantaged backgrounds, limited knowledge and skills or even health-related barriers. Ensuring equal employment opportunities for all remains as important as ever, for which a solid understanding of which policies are most suitable is needed.

Furthermore, well-adapted social policies are necessary to ensure well-functioning welfare systems to those who are in need of support.

At Visionary Analytics we have developed expertise on several themes, namely structural changes of the labour market, anticipation of skill needs, digitalisation and the future of work, employment and career pathways, working conditions, sustainable social investment, and provision of social services.

Selected projects

Skills pay dividends - accounting for human capital: how to increase employer training investment and make it more visible in company accounts (2023-2025)

The aim of the study, commissioned by DG EMPL, was to explore ways to increase the visibility of spending on training in financial accounts and in particular, the visibility of their worth as an investment creating value for the company. Specifically, this study proposed ways to measure training expenditure, suggested the mechanisms for companies to monitor and assess the return on investment in training employees, and provided an evidence base that can support strategic decision-making and facilitate a holistic basis for company valuation. The study supported the implementation of Action 12 of the European Skills Agenda, which aims to improve the framework for private investments in skills.
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Study supporting the Impact assessment of the future European Social Fund proposal. Achieving structural change: conditions for success in the areas of ESF intervention (2023-2024)

The aim of the study, commissioned by DG EMPL, was to expand the knowledge base on causal mechanisms and necessary conditions for successful structural change in broad areas of ESF+ intervention, i.e., employment, skills, and social inclusion. The specific objectives of the study were twofold: (1) provide a map of structural reforms carried out in Member States in 2014-2022 in employment, skills, and social inclusion policy areas and (2) explore factors behind successful/unsuccessful implementation of structural reforms.
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Hybrid workplaces in the EU: provision of case studies from the public and private sectors (2023-2024)

The study, commissioned by Eurofound, involved gathering evidence from case studies to explore how companies (and other organisations) are adapting their work organisation and practices around hybrid work models. Specifically, the project analysed similarities and differences (and patterns) in work practices related to hybrid work, the effects of these practices in terms of organisational outcomes, working conditions and job quality outcomes, and identified lessons learned for effective work practices which can be useful for HR managers, employee representatives, social partners and relevant public authorities.
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Study exploring the context, challenges, opportunities, and trends in algorithmic management in the workplace (2022-2023)

This exploratory study, commissioned by DG EMPL, analysed the social, economic, and legal contexts of and trends in algorithmic management (AM), focusing predominantly on its effects on workers and employers. It provided a preliminary quantitative overview of AM usage, an exploration of challenges and opportunities, a comprehensive analysis of the applicable legal and policy framework, and a discussion of the possible future trends. The study also included a detailed consultation of stakeholders, such as employers and employees, social partners, experts and researchers, as well as national authorities on their experiences, opinion, and attitudes vis-à-vis AM.
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Study exploring the social, economic and legal context and trends of telework and the right to disconnect, in the context of digitalisation and the future of work, during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic (2022)

The overall objective of the study, commissioned by DG EMPL, was to provide evidence and analysis with the view of supporting the Commission in responding to the European Parliament Resolution of 21 January 2021, which called upon the Commission to propose a Directive establishing standards and conditions on the right to disconnect and providing minimum requirements for telework. Specifically, the study assessed the state of play: in terms of trends, challenges, and opportunities as well as adequacy and effectiveness of existing policies and social partners’ agreements. It also identified likely future trends in the short, medium, and long term as well as future evolution scenarios.
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