(in German)

Low-skilled jobs, activities that do not require a formal qualification, are characterised by the conflicting demands of stressful work requirements and high social relevance. To date, the state of research is incomplete and there is a lack of specific measures to improve the work and health situation of this group of workers. This report uses various data sets to shed light on who is employed in low-skilled work, what work demands and resources are to be found, what the employment trajectories of these workers look like up to the standard retirement age, and what health consequences may be associated with low-skilled work. The report serves to provide a status quo of the contents listed here, to identify and close research gaps, and to present recommendations for action for the occupational safety and health of this group of workers.

The results show that employees in low-skilled jobs are affected by both physical and mental work demands and at the same time have few workplace resources available. Furthermore, in comparison to other occupational groups, the employment histories of employees in low-skilled jobs are characterised by more frequent interruptions in employment and earlier entry into retirement. In various areas of low-skilled work, a multitude of work-related demands can be identified that pose health risks. The results show poorer subjective health on average and a decline in subjective health over the course of a working life.

From an occupational safety and health perspective, the problems of employees in low-skilled jobs must first be identified and appropriate measures taken. On the one hand, this involves identifying and reducing stress at the workplace and providing specific resources to promote and maintain the health of employees into old age. On the other hand, (partial) qualifications can help to increase motivation, but also employ ment stability and labour market opportunities, thus minimising the risk of career breaks. In view of the impending shortage of labour and skilled workers, these should be designed to be life-course oriented and age-appropriate. However, the present report also shows that further research is needed to improve health and safety of employees in low-skilled jobs.

Please download the complete report "Work and health situation of employees in low-skilled jobs" (in German only).