The EU promotes the freedom of services between her member states. Many blue-collar workers find themselves working abroad. While the benefits of labor migration are numerous, it often comes with challenges, especially regarding their wellbeing.
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Research objective
The goal of this research is to gain insights into the wellbeing of blue-collar workers who work abroad within the EU. We aim to discover key trends and challenges these workers face. We focus on their mental, and physical wellbeing during their time abroad. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, we will develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges these workers face. This information is presented to stakeholders, including EU policy makers and staffing agencies.
Research design
To achieve a comprehensive understanding of blue-collar workers' wellbeing, we employ a mixed - methods approach, combining quantitative data collection through an online survey with qualitative follow-up interviews. This approach allows us to capture broad trends while also providing an opportunity to explore individual experiences in more depth.
Quantitative research: online survey
This method involves an online survey among a broad sample of the target group. The survey is designed to measure various aspects of well-being, including mental and physical health, job satisfaction, and financial resources. The survey questions allow respondents to rate their experiences on a scale. This allows us to quantify the wellbeing of skilled workers and identify common problems. The survey is sample-based, targeting skilled workers from various sectors and EU member states.
Sampling method
We utilize multiple channels to survey blue collar workers, including staffing agencies that employ blue-collar workers abroad and social media groups focused on blue-collar workers in the EU. As an incentive, candidates and staffing agencies will receive access to the market research results.
Qualitative research: interviews
Once the results are collected, we will identify participants who rated their wellbeing below a certain score. These participants will be invited for an interview. The goal of these interviews is to explore the reasons behind their lower scores, understand the nuances of their challenges, and gather personal stories that will further enhance the survey findings. The interviews will be conducted with a sample of workers from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and countries to capture the diversity of their experiences. Each interview will last approximately 20-30 minutes.
Quantitative data analysis
Once the survey data is collected, it will be cleaned and analyzed using statistical software. Descriptive statistics (e.g., means, standard deviations) will be used to summarize the data. Additionally, inferential statistical methods will be used to identify relationships between key variables. Data will be segmented by key demographics (e.g., age, gender, sector, length of stay abroad) to explore whether certain groups face distinct challenges that may require tailored interventions.
Qualitative data analysis
The qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. This will allow us to identify recurring patterns in the workers' stories. Codes will be assigned to various parts of the interview transcriptions that correspond to specific aspects of wellbeing and challenges. These themes will then be grouped and analyzed to identify trends across different workers' experiences.
Ethical considerations
All participants will be informed of the purpose of the study and their rights, including the confidentiality of their responses. Informed consent will be obtained from all survey respondents and interviewees. The data collected will be anonymized and used for the purposes of this research. Any sensitive information will be handled with the utmost care to ensure participants' privacy is respected.
Conclusions and stakeholder engagement
After the analysis is completed, the results will be compiled into a report. This report will highlight the findings on the well-being of workers in the EU. It will be shared with EU policymakers, employment agencies, and other stakeholders to support future policies aimed at improving the working and living conditions of workers abroad. By combining quantitative data with qualitative insights, this research will provide a holistic understanding of the well-being of skilled workers within the EU.