Eurofund’s report “Living and Working in Europe 2021” provides an overview of Europe’s employment and living conditions in 2021. In order to accurately depict the landscape, the report places emphasis on the impacts of COVID-19 as well as societal challenges such as gender and economic inequalities, youth employment, and labor shortages. According to the report, as the EU recovers from the pandemic, implements the green and digital transitions, and responds to the war in Ukraine, it will be essential that social policymaking relies on evidence to guide the EU forward.
LIVING IN THE TIME OF COVID
First, referencing the effects of COVID-19, readers were informed about the impacts placed upon youth and social rights. Notably, youth aged 15-24 have experienced job loss and furloughs at higher rates than older adults, whilst also reporting feelings of depression and exclusion from society. Secondly, the report details the disruption of the European Pillar of Social Rights objective to secure equal social rights across Member States as the pandemic has stalled upward convergence due to inequal impacts.
CONFRONTING SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
Moreover, Eurofund’s report discusses gender inequality, labor shortages and changing work environments as additional factors influencing Europe’s employment and living conditions. Importantly, the report depicts the labor shortage affecting various sectors including healthcare, only projected to increase due to the demographic change and ageing population of Europe. Due to this shift, and the green and digital transitions, skilling and reskilling will be essential to solving work shortages and ensuring job creation.
For a more in-depth look at Eurofund’s extensive report, click here.