IR Research

Informing decision-makers

As Eurofound’s National correspondent, IR Share provides information on working conditions, industrial relations and the labour market to support the EU institutions and bodies, Member States and social partners in shaping social Europe, as well as promoting social dialogue on the basis of comparative information and research.

Our recent researches and activities

Remote work in rural and peripheral areas

Remote work in rural and peripheral areas

At the national and local level, several initiatives have been launched or received significant additional funding – as in the case of France – since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic to support remote work in rural, peripheral, or marginalised areas via the creation and expansion of coworking spaces. IR Share has provided a case study about “tiers-lieux” (“third places” in English) that defines physical places dedicated to a variety of activities, where the creation of economic value is linked with social utility, and work mixes with other aspects of collective life. “Tiers-lieux” allow for social interactions and informal exchange, as well as promoting creativity, co-creation and collective projects. A tier-lieu can be for example a coworking space, a fablab, an “atelier partagé” (shared workshop), a makerspace or hackerspace, a “garage solidaire” (solidarity garage) or a repair café. It can be seen as an instrument to support teleworkers in rural areas.
Telework and the right to disconnect

Telework and the right to disconnect

This study, in which IR Share took part and which was developed by Visionary Analytics and Notus, was commissioned by the European Commission for the purposes of: analysing the trends, challenges and opportunities associated with telework and the right to disconnect; presenting an overview and an analysis of the “acquis communautaire”, national legislations and agreements reached with social partners; identifying likely scenarios for the evolution of telework; and putting forward future policymaking recommendations. This is a very comprehensive and useful document, in a context in which the Commission is supposed to be launching a first-stage consultation of European social partners on an EU initiative aimed at introducing oversight of telework and the right to disconnect.
Social protection for the unemployed – Background paper

Social protection for the unemployed – Background paper

This background paper focuses on one important aspect of social protection: unemployment benefits, both first tier (usually contributory) and lower tier (predominantly tax-based, non-contributory and means-tested). Unemployment benefits help to cushion the impact of job loss on household finances and act as an economic stabiliser. The paper examines trends in expenditure on unemployment benefits, identifies gaps in formal coverage, discusses groups for whom benefits are inadequate, and looks at non-take-up, rejection decisions, digitalisation of application procedures, and links between unemployment benefits and service entitlements.
Challenges and solutions: Case studies on European Works Councils

Challenges and solutions: Case studies on European Works Councils

This working paper investigates the practical implementation of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive at company level. It explores the challenges faced by existing EWCs and provides examples of solutions identified and remaining issues from the point of view of both workers and management. In addition, the paper looks at how EWCs meet the requirements of the EWC Directive in terms of establishing processes of information and consultation. Using case studies, it also examines the extent to which such effective collaboration has gone beyond the EWC Directive’s requirements to establish joint work on other issues of common concern.. IR Share has carried out the report with the support of Tina Weber, Peter Kerckhofs and Ricardo Rodriguez Contreras.
EU-OSHA: Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

EU-OSHA: Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

This report reviews the occupational safety and health issues associated with telework, and the measures and regulations in place to prevent and manage them. In-depth, candid interviews with workers and employers in three selected countries highlight the positive and negative impacts of teleworking during the pandemic. IR Share has carried out the fieldwork in France. With telework likely to be more prevalent post-pandemic, the report concludes with recommendations to make its adoption successful while protecting workers’ safety and health.
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As national correspondents, our contributions support Eurofound’s research by collecting, analysing and reporting on specific developments (policies, practices and regulations) in the EU Member States and by supporting Eurofound’s outreach activities at national level.

Our Partners

Ultra Laborans

Ultra Laborans is a multi-disciplinary team that provides support for organisations and territories in the transformation of work.

Visionary Analytics

Visionary Analytics is a research-based advisory company providing applied research, evaluation and other consultancy services for the European Union institutions, international organisations and national governments.

Notus

Notus‘ work includes providing technical support to public and private entities with the design, management and evaluation of their policies and programmes, as well as organising seminars and workshops.

FORBA

Research at the FORBA institute specialises in issues of work and employment. Within this clearly defined profile, it covers a broad range of topics and activities. FORBA’s research areas deal with the micro level of the individual, social interaction and working conditions and the meso level of the organisation or network as well as with the macro level of the labour market and global economy. Research practice at the institute relies on a series of qualitative and quantitative methods. Special features of research at FORBA include its multidisciplinary character and openness to many forms of cooperation. 

RILSA

The main RILSA objective of the scientific research activities is to contribute to the understanding and forecasting of the socio-economic development of society and to prepare documents and recommendations for state administration authorities, especially the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, on the basis of both applied and basic research. The scientific research activities of the RILSA are mainly focused on labour and social areas. Comparisons of international employment and social policy indicators are an integral part of the research. 

FAQ

What kind of research does IR Share conduct? What are the main themes of IR Share’s research?

IR Share conducts qualitative research focused on industrial relations and social dialogue in France and across Europe. Our studies aim to inform decision-making for employers, trade unions, policymakers, and researchers. As part of the Eurofound Network of Correspondents, IR Share contributes to European-wide analyses on themes such as: working conditions and sustainable work, labour markets, social inclusion, climate change, demographic shifts, and their impact on society.

Who commissions IR Share’s studies?

IR Share’s studies are commissioned by a wide range of clients, including international organisations, think tanks, public institutions, social partners, and private companies.
Our partners value our independent and evidence-based approach to research, as well as our well-developped network both in France and throughout Europe.

Can organisations request custom research? How can my organisation partner with IR Share for research?

Yes.

IR Share welcomes partnerships with organisations seeking custom studies or specialised analysis. If your organisation would like to commission or partner on a project, please contact us to discuss your needs. We will work with you to co-design a research plan that meets your objectives while maintaining our standards of independence, methodological rigour, and transparency.

How can I stay informed about new research findings?

You can stay up to date with IR Share’s latest research and insights through our Research Highlights section on the website. You can also subscribe to our newsletter or follow social media to keep our community informed of new findings and publications.

What is IR Share's stance when it comes to AI and independence?

IR Share is committed to independent, balanced, and transparent research. We use AI tools responsibly to enhance data analysis and research efficiency, while ensuring that all interpretations and conclusions are guided by human expertise, critical review, and ethical standards.

Other IR Share Services

Sharing knowledge and information to deepen our collective understanding and develop new solutions to address the impacts of digitalisation, climate change and environmental protection.

IR Doc

Open access library

IR Doc is a multilingual resource centre providing documentation on labour law and industrial relations at European Union and Member State level, including collective agreements concluded by the social partners at European, sectoral and transnational company level.

IR Training

Strengthening social dialogue

Members of the IR Share team are regularly called upon to devise training courses. We deliver these either directly or working together with partners, to ensure that the training is tailored to the exact needs expressed.

IR Notes

Building a social Europe together

The IR Notes newsletter gives everyone in Europe access to an independent, reliable and impartial source of information on topics involving industrial relations

IR Club

Club CE européens –
 EWCs Club

Since 2011, the European Works Councils Club has sought to co-construct the foundations of a European social dialogue that can meet the social and environmental challenges faced by transnational companies..

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