This report examines flexible working arrangements and their effects on working time quality, work–life balance and health, and related regulations. Since 2015, the take-up of flexible working arrangements, accelerated by the pandemic and digitalisation, has increased significantly, with one in five EU workers engaged in telework or having working time autonomy in 2024. Overall, flexible working is associated with improved working time quality and a better work–life balance.

Close to one in five jobs in the EU (19%) could be classified as vulnerable – a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing income inadequacy, employment insecurity and lack of workplace rights. Eurofound’s new report, Employment and working conditions of the most vulnerable workers: Addressing an ongoing policy challenge [9] analyses the prevalence of vulnerability from 2009 to 2021.

This report examines the relationship between working time reduction (WTR) and productivity by conducting a systematic review of 75 empirical studies. The objective is to assess whether reductions in working hours can sustain or enhance productivity, and under which conditions. Among the studies reviewed, 45 include an explicit or clearly inferred measure of productivity linked to WTR, this group represents the foundation of the main analytical classification. A further 30 studies provide relevant contextual evidence on mediating factors, such as well-being and work organisation.

Across Europe, labour markets continue to face growing imbalances. This annual EURES report explores the situation in 2025 across EU countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, shedding light on persistent occupational shortages and surpluses. It examines the underlying causes, from demographic change to skills mismatches and limited labour mobility, and highlights the need for more coordinated and forward-looking policy responses.