Our skills for the job market
Research
The Research business area deals with current research questions on social challenges in the world of work, using a broad methodological portfolio. The spectrum of our assignments ranges from basic work to applied intervention research.
Contact
Mag.a Dr.in Annika Schönauer
Head of Research Division
E: annika.schoenauer@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Research
EntreCivil: Entrepreneurial skills for the development of civil society support networks using the example of refugee women from Ukraine
2024 - 2026
The Russian war of aggression and the associated refugee movements inevitably led to a significant upswing in civil society engagement inside and outside Ukraine. Numerous initiatives support war refugees in various areas - from finding housing to integrating them into the labor market. Women-led organizations play a central role, and the majority of refugees are also female. Volunteer work requires organizational skills, self-management skills and high social skills. Small, newly formed networks in particular are often overwhelmed by the number of demands of volunteer work. There is often a lack of skills and resources, which can become a real test.
The E+ Project EntreCivil aims to professionalize the civil society engagement of refugee women from Ukraine by imparting entrepreneurial skills: empowerment for community self-help. Women from Ukraine who are involved in refugee aid for Ukrainians should be enabled to carry out their civil society engagement in the area of aid for refugees even more sustainably (pilot in Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein).
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the OeAD-GmbH can be held responsible for them.
Research
Equal Pay Network – Capacity Building Equal Pay
2024 - 2027
Austria is at the top of the European and OECD rankings when it comes to income differences between women and men. The causes and drivers of differences in lifetime income between the sexes are diverse and complex. The negative consequences for the business location, social security systems, the competitiveness of a society and ultimately for the individuals affected are significant. The project Equal Pay Network by ÖSB Consulting aims to contribute to reducing gender-specific income differences. In concrete terms, this means the development and implementation of capacity building measures in the area of equal pay for the tourism and industry sectors in two different regions in Austria.
ÖSB Social Innovation brings methodological and theoretical expertise to the implementation of the project and is particularly responsible for data collection and analysis.
contact
Mag.a Dr.in Annika Schönauer
E: annika.schoenauer@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Client
Funding providers
Downloads
Research
Gen Z Cult - Appreciative company training culture for Generation Z
2024 - 2025
Dual vocational training, especially apprenticeships, is an essential part of the training system in Austria and Germany. However, in recent years, registrations of trainees/apprentices have decreased, while at the same time dropout rates have increased. As a result, companies are affected by a shortage of skilled workers and workers and are struggling with unfilled training and apprenticeship positions. Companies also often have difficulty adapting to the needs of Gen Z, especially given a heterogeneous age cohort with different social and ethnic backgrounds.
The Project Gen Z cult starts with companies and pursues two goals: Firstly, the integration of young people, especially those who are socially disadvantaged, into dual vocational training and apprenticeships should be promoted in order to reduce dropout rates. Secondly, the project aims to combat the shortage of skilled workers in companies by supporting them in creating an appreciative corporate and training culture.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible.
Research
Preference for climate jobs! Development of regional and sectoral strategies for climate jobs
2024 - 2025
In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, Austria must develop a low-emission economy, which has a major impact on the labor market. New professional fields are emerging in the areas of renewable energies, construction and the circular economy. The "Just Transition" action plan and the Austrian circular economy strategy define the necessary training and further education measures for this. Apprenticeships in particular must be made more attractive in order to inspire young people to take up green jobs. Workers and skilled workers are particularly sought after in areas such as renewable energy, soft tourism, green construction and the circular economy - but all too often they are not found. In cooperation with several climate and energy model regions, the project is developing Preference climate job!, which climate-relevant skills are needed and how these can be developed in a targeted manner. In six workshops, stakeholders from the tourism and construction sectors will address the question of what climate jobs actually look like in the respective context and how they can specifically inspire (young) people to do them.
contact
Mag.a Dr.in Annika Schönauer
E: annika.schoenauer@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Funding provider
Project partners
Further information
Research
Company survey: cost-benefit theory
2024
The training of apprentices is one of the cornerstones of vocational training in Austria. In order to ensure that the training offers are up to date, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economics (BMAW) has legally committed itself to regularly screening the training regulations for dual training and to determining the need for adaptation of training courses. In this context, the Austrian Institute for Vocational Education Research (öibf) is carrying out an analysis to show the costs of apprentice training and the benefits for the training companies. ÖSB Social Innovation accompanies and supports the implementation of the online survey of all nationwide training companies. The aim of this extensive survey is to specifically adapt the company-based apprenticeship funding to the needs of the companies.
contact
Mag.a Dr.in Annika Schönauer
E: annika.schoenauer@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Funding provider
Project partners
Research
YOUnite
2022 - 2025
YOUnite is a project that aims to help overweight young people overcome challenges and improve their employability in the job market. Obesity affects the self-esteem and upbringing of children, as almost all affected young people report experiences of bullying and social exclusion. The associated impairment of quality of life and the lack of opportunities in training and on the job market are often ignored or neglected. Obesity can represent a barrier in the job market and to professional success. YOUnite develops and tests training modules on health/medicine, sport, stress, nutrition, awareness-raising and employability in order to integrate young obese people successfully and healthily into the job market. The task of ÖSB Social Innovation is to evaluate these six modules with the help of surveys of participants and trainers in the 4 participating countries.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible.
Research
BERGAUF - Advice on starting a business for aspiring women
2023 - 2024
As part of this project, a prototype of a digital information and consulting tool for self-reflection on the start-up skills and strategies of potential female entrepreneurs is being developed. The tool can also be used in a blended guidance setting and is aimed in particular at young women interested in starting a business in precarious life and work situations who are at risk of switching from their precarious position on the job market to precarious (solo) self-employment.
The aim is to promote socially and economically sustainable business start-ups by women. In particular, young women with start-up ambitions should engage with their start-up projects, strategies and skills in a professionally supported reflection process in order to initiate sustainable start-up processes.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible.
contact
Dr. Rudolf Götz
E: rudolf.goetz@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Funding provider
consortium
Schüßler Consulting (LIE, coordinator)
Downloads
Research
Health sensor for digital work
2022 – 2024 Feet
Digitalization of the world of work brings with it opportunities and risks
The digital transformation of the world of work has increased rapidly in recent years. Technical tools lead to the development of new, digitally organized forms of work and activities: Starting with communication and organizing collaboration between project teams via MS teams, through to control via email tickets or control of resource planning via SAP, countless digital ones are being used, especially in the white-collar sector Tools used. Last but not least, home office including video conferences became the new normal for many employees in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic. In addition, sensory and cognitive assistance systems such as data glasses, digital manuals, learning videos and knowledge management systems are becoming increasingly relevant.
These developments lead to an expansion of opportunities for health-promoting work. For example in the area of collaboration, access to knowledge and the compatibility of paid and care work. At the same time, there is increasing evidence of an increase in psychological problems in connection with the intensive use of digital technologies in professional life. We see, among other things, digital stress, work intensification, external control, loss of boundaries and isolation.
The project goal
The project addresses the following question: How should an analysis and consulting tool be designed that enables companies to shape the increasingly digital organization, management and control of work together with employees in a health-promoting and inclusive manner? The aim is to develop a prototype of an analysis and consulting tool that is suitable for practical use, in close coordination with companies and experts.
contact
Funding provider
Corporate partners
Soundboard
Barbara Covarrubias Venegas, Founder & CEO #virtualspacehero
Isabel Koberwein, expert on health issues in the basic department of the GPA union
Philip Schörpf, Senior Scientist at the research and consulting center for the world of work FORBA and at the Institute for Sociology at the University of Vienna
Gert Lang, health officer at the Austrian Health Fund
Alfons Glück, works council of itworks Personnel Service & Consulting Non-Profit GmbH
Alexandra Weilhartner, Head of Active Aging and Digitalization Business Unit in the ÖSB Group
Download
Further information
Research
Reach Out to the “Left-Behind” – improving guidance for working persons from the underprivileged milieu
2022 – 2024 Feet
People on the fringes of society are often not reached by educational offerings. The present project explores the potential of habitus-sensitive counseling approaches in order to build bridges into education for disadvantaged groups of people.
The following products will be developed as part of the project. They are available in English and the respective national language German, Czech or Slovenian:
- Country Reports “Habitus Sensitive Guidance for Underprivileged Milieu” on Austria, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovenia
- Self-Study Manual “Experiences and Cases from working with the Underprivileged Milieu”
- Policy Papers “Habitus Sensitive Guidance – recommendations for policy makers”
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible.
contact
Dr. Rudolf Götz
E: rudolf.goetz@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Funding provider
consortium
Research
Impact measurement of health offers
2023
Since October 2022, participants in various itworks programs have had a 4-week preventative health program every 1 weeks. This consists of practical and theoretical units that are carried out or accompanied by a physiotherapist and a fitness trainer. The aim is to increase the performance of the participants and subsequently their chance of being placed on the job market. On average there are around 200 people in the program. With the aim of observing the effect of this health promotion offer, the project addresses questions about the change in health literacy during the period of participation in the offer and the subjective effect from the perspective of the participants.
Research
Evaluation of the special COVID-19 poverty reduction guideline
2023
The aim of the evaluation to be carried out is a structured analysis of the impact of the funding distributed as part of the special COVID-19 poverty reduction guideline. The analysis is based on project reports and qualitative interviews with representatives of the funded projects. The evaluation focuses on the following areas: reaching the target group, sustainability, innovation potential and the handling of administrative processes.
contact
Dr. Rudolf Götz
E: rudolf.goetz@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Funding provider
Download
Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer ProtectionFederal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) (ed.): Evaluation of the special guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection to combat COVID-19 poverty, 2023. Created by: ÖSB Social Innovation, authors: Annika Schönauer / Rudolf Götz / Fynn Thjorben Semken
Research
KickstartEntrepreneurship: Preparing for future entrepreneurship in vocational training
2022 – 2023 Feet
The Project KickstartEntrepreneurship makes an innovative contribution to vocational training. The focus is on imparting knowledge and skills for entrepreneurship and promoting an innovative, entrepreneurial attitude. The project will develop a digital prototype for an AI-supported learning, consulting and recommendation tool based on decision trees.
Research
Pilot study on the potential of digital consulting in case management by fit2work
2022
Due to the Corona pandemic, digital advice (online advice) has become the focus of attention as a central “advice format” – at sponsoring institutions as well as funding agencies. However, digital advice is not new. Numerous studies and textbooks identify strengths, weaknesses, potential and hurdles. Depending on the consultation goal, the subject of the consultation and the context of the roasting, the use of digital formats must be precisely coordinated.
The aim of this survey is to investigate the potential of digital counselling formats (video counselling, e-mail counselling, chat counselling via messenger services, etc.) for case management in the context of fit2work personal consulting to identify.
Research
Study on women's working poverty - project #we_do
2021 – 2022 Feet
- The study examines the situation of women in working poverty, the range of services available in Austria and the project #we_do (Advice and further training for women in situations of working poverty)
- Female working poverty is underestimated in Austria by using an indicator based on household income
- The offer for female working poor is fragmented and not tailored to the needs of the target group – #we_do is the only project in Austria specifically aimed at women affected by working poverty
- The project #we_do The combination of individual advice and further training (promotion) offered results in a positive outcome at completion in 75% of cases and in many cases leads to income improvements
Research
Evaluation of digital advice at Jobservice Vienna
2021
- The pandemic has favored the use of digital consulting methods - this study looks at the advantages and disadvantages of advising job seekers via telephone and video compared to face-to-face advice. Results are:
- The effectiveness of telephone and video counseling depends largely on the motivation of the participant and the willingness of the counselor
- Hybrid advice offers the necessary flexibility to be able to give those seeking advice good advice in all situations
- Personal conversations at the beginning of the consultation help to build relationships
Research
ready4future - Professional qualification and additional skills for self-employed people and one-person companies in the trade fair and event industry
2020 – 2021 Feet
- A key question that the project discusses is “How can self-employed people in the event industry be specifically strengthened through qualification and skills acquisition?”
- The Project ready4future thus contributes to the modernisation and internationalisation process in vocational education and training and actively supports the European agenda for new skills and employment
- The discussion and work process will be used to develop a catalog of potential approaches on how the industry can be specifically supported. Topics on the design and use of digital and technological change and the perspectives of lifelong learning play an important role.
- ready4future sees itself as a strategic partnership – consisting of organisations from Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Austria – the cornerstone of the joint cooperation is formed by three transnational partner meetings
Research
FuturVoc – map for new professional forms in Europe
2020 – 2021 Feet
- developing one Interactive “map” (prototype) to show the current situation of (purely) digital professions in the countries of the consortium (LIE, AT, DE, CH).
- The identified professions, or fields of activity, are stored with data on required skills, training paths, activity groups, personality types, etc. A system of filters enables clustering of the collected professions from different thematic perspectives
contact
Dr. Rudolf Götz
E: rudolf.goetz@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Funding provider
Project partners
Further information
Research
Evaluation teaching instead of emptiness. Apprentice coaching and training company coaching
2019
- Accompanying, formative evaluation to review the program’s performance to date
- Survey methods used: Analysis of system-relevant documents, quantitative data analysis of the LLC/LBC data sets, qualitative survey and quantitative survey (online) of the implementers and participants
Research
Evaluation of the pilot project “Jobnet/JobIMPULS method” as part of step2job Vienna
2019
- Accompanying, formative evaluation
- Quantitative evaluation of the participants' master data using descriptive statistics, qualitative interviews with RGS consultants (by telephone) and participants (in person), focus group with BBE consultants
- Review of the JobIMPULS method in groups of participants and its integration into the consultation process within the framework of step2job
Research
step2mice: Event Industry Integration
2016 - 2019
- Development and testing of educational plans, training courses, competency assessments as well as mentor and buddy programs for the employment and integration of refugees, migrants and foreign workers in the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions)
- Development of the “Diversity Management for Companies Employing Refugees” toolbox
contact
Dr. Rudolf Götz
E: rudolf.goetz@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Project partner
VPLT (DE, lead)
EVVC (DE)
GPOCS (LI)
IT University (DK)
ÖSB Consulting GmbH (AT)
Funding provider
Further information
Research
TRIAS project advisory board
2016 – 2017 Feet
- Establishment of an accompanying project advisory board for the Erasmus+ project TRIAS: Guidance in the workplace to promote the implementation of the approach in Austria
- Conception, organization of a kick-off as well as five “feedback loops”, clarification of the requirements for sustainable implementation of the results at funding bodies, institutions and future programs
Research
TRIAS: Guidance in the workplace
2015 – 2017 Feet
- Development of an innovative approach to outreach educational counseling in a company setting - in the triad: employee - employer - consultant
- Development of a learning volume for self-study as well as a curriculum for educational consultants, piloting, multiplier workshops
- Implementation in personal union with ÖSB Consulting
Research
Job service plus
2018 - 2019
- Monitoring of the Jobserviceplus pilot project from itworks Personalservice as part of the Jobservice support facility funded by the AMS Vienna
- Conception and evaluation of participant surveys, evaluation of quantitative participant data along defined indicators, structured collection of feedback from the actors involved, control group comparison, analysis and presentation of the results with a view to a possible rollout
Research
Young people on their way into the world of work
2015
- Preparation of an accompanying practical and experience report on the three youth projects funded by AMS and ESF c'mon 17, step2job4youth and c'monAPP in 2009 and 2015
- Conception and evaluation of surveys of consultants, implementation of workshops, publication and editing of the publication
contact
Mag.a Ingrid Pecher
E: ingrid.pecher@oesb-socialinnovation.at
Project partner
Client
Further information
Research
Educational advice for advancement
2014
- Project monitoring of the two AMS advice and support facilities (BBE) “Educational Advice for Advancement” in Carinthia and Tyrol
- Evaluation of quantitative data, conception and evaluation of surveys of consultants on the consulting approach, educational plan creation, target group specifics, interfaces, innovative content and labor market policy benefits
Gradual employment
2014 – 2016 Feet
- Feasibility study for the development of new subsidized employment offers, in close regional cooperation with companies
- Basic research: outsourcing and employment potential, industrial cooperation in employment projects - including case studies and typification
- Model conception, acquisition of partner companies, conception of pilot projects is carried out by ÖSB Consulting
