Integration into the Labor Market
Commissioned by the State of Salzburg, we are academically supervising a Salzburg-based project that develops a model to gradually develop work skills for people who have difficulties with participating in the labor market.
This project is financed by the European Social Fund:
Academic Monitoring and Support in Implementing ESF Measures
Intended Research
Academic consultation of the Working Group for Social Inclusion of the State of Salzburg regarding the design and implementation of measures to activate and (re-)integrate recipients of means-tested minimal income in Salzburg (during the ESF-period 2014-2020).
Salzburg Model to Gradually Develop Work Skills
About the Research
The project centers on recipients of means-tested minimal income, especially the long-term unemployed, single mothers, psychologically or physically disadvantaged people, as well as persons entitled to asylum. The aim is to guide unemployed persons gradually towards a (re-)integration into the labor market.
Such a (re-)integration into the labor market is usually not a straightforward process and some of the hurdles are not immediately apparent from the outside. Psychological stability or social skills are often left unconsidered in standard analyses – even though these conditions are necessary to succeed in both our society and the labor market. Accordingly, the researchers at the ifz focus predominantly on ‘soft’ factors of success, that is, factors that need to be adjusted in order to establish a basis for leading a self-determined life, for being (re-)integrated into the labor market, and for participating in society. This requires people to work towards stability in core dimensions of their lives, most significantly their psychological state (indicators include punctuality/reliability, appearance, stress resistance, realistic self-assessment, discipline, self-efficacy, problem-solving skills, relationship skills). Many long-term unemployed persons are facing difficulties in several of these dimensions at the same time.
Methodologies
The academic monitoring of this project is based on a mixed-methods design that combines quantitative and qualitative elements and integrates the perspectives of various stakeholders. It builds on the insights gained from the project “Brücken zur Arbeitswelt” (Bridges into the world of labor), where we have already conducted an extensive study on the integration of recipients of means-tested minimal income in the State of Salzburg.
Duration
Phase 1: 2018 to 2020
Phase 2: 2020 to 2022
Funding
State of Salzburg and the European Social Fund (ESF)
Download the Report
Analysis of the project’s concept and implementation: “Konzept- und Umsetzungsanalyse zu drei Basisprojekten im Rahmen des Salzburger Stufenmodells (Juli 2019)“ (German)
Bridges towards Employment
(Re-)Integration of long-term unemployed recipients of means-tested minimal income into the labor market
About the Research
Physical or psychological health often restrict people’s ability to earn a sufficient income and to participate fully in society. Different measures and means of assistance can support the (re-)integration processes of such people into the labor market.
Considering the measures that are available in the State of Salzburg, the ifz and the Centre for Ethics and Poverty Research have developed a new set of recommendations to reduce poverty and help people to be (re-)integrated into the labor market. The study points to pathways and bridges that help to overcome existing hurdles, which stand in the way of leading a self-determined life. Simultaneously, the study in and of itself forms a bridge between the theory and praxis of poverty alleviation. The project’s results are available as a comprehensive final report as well as a summary of the key findings. Both versions are available as free downloads.
