Unit1.3 observes and analyses structural changes in the world of work: this refers to organisational structures, climates, and cultures, transformation processes regarding specific forms of work, as well as societal and legal frameworks. Based on these changes, the impact on working conditions and the well-being of employees, as well as the implications for their employability and workability, are considered and analysed. The main objective is to generate, process, and transfer scientific insights for the scientific community, in terms of policy advice, and transfer into organisational practice. In terms of transfer and advising the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), the task “project coordination for the Initiative New Quality of Work / INQA" is also part of the organisational unit 1.3.
Especially in processes of change, leaders at various levels play a central role in the human-centred design of work. Therefore, the operational and cultural framework conditions of leadership, as well as the relationship between leadership behaviour and the well-being of employees, are particularly in focus. Additionally, central requirements and resources of different groups of employees, as well as the maintenance and promotion of motivational and cognitive competencies and resources of employees in different fields of activity, are taken into account.
Interactive work - that is, work with and for people - has gained importance in the world of work, especially triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although interaction with other people is a fundamental part of many employees' daily work (e.g., in the service industry), the term "interactive work" has so far hardly made its way into scientific and societal debate nore into operational practice. By researching the origin and impact of working conditions in interactive work, we underline it is a special form of employment, with specific combinations of work demands and resources. This also entails special requirements for the work actions of employees and for the design of working conditions.
The transfer of scientific knowledge to stakeholders such as politics and organisational practice is a central part of BAuA's activities. In this sense, BAuA has been supporting BMAS in defining content priorities and shaping the Initiative New Quality of Work (INQA) from its beginning. As part of coordinating, managing, and accompanying the INQA project funding, the expert group assists in the preparation and implementation, coordination, and technical support of INQA funding. Furthermore, the team advises on the central results from the projects regarding transfer and conceptual development, as well as addressing relevant issues in the changing world of work.