BAuA’s research in Field of Action A, systematically surveying and assessing changes in the world of work
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, BAuA) aspires to identify the opportunities and risks created by changing demands in the world of work early on and analyse how they correlate with employees’ safety and health. Ongoing observation of the world of work is indispensable if it is to succeed in doing this, particularly drawing on the long-term studies launched in previous years, which will be expanded and further developed during BAuA’s current programme period against the background of a world of work that is going through dramatic transformations.
Transformation processes and their impacts
The world of work is changing rapidly – driven by digitalisation and AI, climate change, the increasing diversity of the working population, and profound change processes within organisations. BAuA is investigating how these developments influence safety, health, and work quality. Basing itself on extensive data, long-term studies, and monitoring programmes, it seeks to identify opportunities, risks, and new demands at an early stage. In this way, the Federal Institute supports the human-centred design of work. It develops recommendations for policymakers and practitioners and provides guidance for those dealing with technological, ecological, and societal upheavals.
Research projects
Monitoring of changes and evaluation
In order to gain a well-founded understanding of how the world of work is evolving, BAuA continually observes and analyses key developments. A sophisticated, up-to-date picture of working conditions in Germany is assembled from extensive data gathering exercises such as its Employment Survey (Erwerbstätigenbefragung) and its Working Time Survey (Arbeitszeitbefragung), as well as other national and European studies. This monitoring supplies important foundations for research, policy advice, and occupational safety and health interventions. It highlights trends at an early stage, assesses the effectiveness of public-sector interventions, and makes changes measurable. With these activities, BAuA supports the evidence-based, human-centred design of the world of work.
Research projects