The research area of Welfare and Labour Policy focuses on in-depth examination of the design, implementation, and impact of social and labour policies on individuals and groups within society. We develop policy expertise that combines a strong theoretical understanding of contemporary social issues, effective policy intervention strategies, and a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in policy making across various domains. Our research spans multiple domains including welfare, labour, health, care, and ageing, encompassing diverse sectors and countries. By investigating these areas, we aim to contribute valuable insights to inform evidence-based policymaking and address the complex challenges faced by individuals and communities.

This research area focuses on comparative research on Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining in the context of dynamically evolving labour markets within and beyond Central and Eastern Europe. Research themes focus on data collection and analysis regarding the established and newly emerging roles for social partners and institutionalised processes of social dialogue and collective bargaining, as well as evidence-based research on empowering trade unions and employers' associations as important stakeholders in policy making in labour market transitions.

Globalisation shapes structural changes in labour markets and gives rise to new forms of work, including atypical contracts, gig work, and telework. Such emerging work arrangements offer a broad range of research themes currently being studied at CELSI within its reasearch area New Forms of Work. These themes encompass the regulation of new forms of work within national legislative frameworks and the cross-border nature of work. They also include policy initiatives at the EU and national levels aimed at accommodating and adapting to these new and flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, our research focuses on the rights and protection of workers engaged in these new forms of work, as well as the development of skills required for the changing labour markets.

The mobility of people within and across national borders, including digital mobility, interacts with ongoing technological shifts, climate change, wars and conflicts, as well as economic, social, and demographic challenges. As a result, migration and migrant integration have become central topics in scientific and policy discourses. The research area Labour Mobility addresses various issues, including the effects of mobility on source and destination countries, drivers of migration, circular migration and brain circulation, posting of workers, digital mobility, labour market segmentation by ethnicity and immigrant status, and discrimination. Special attention is given to the adjustment, integration, and inclusion of immigrants, ethnic minorities, and the specific conditions of Roma ethnic minority groups, in collaboration with the research area Inequalities and Vulnerabilities.

The research area of Labour Data and Measurement focuses on collaborative efforts to collect, process, and analyse micro, meso, and macro data pertaining to labour markets worldwide. CELSI's partnership with the WageIndicator foundation encompasses the conceptualisation and measurement of living wages globally, the development and implementation of an internationally harmonised salary survey, and collaboration in measuring collective bargaining agreements, among other data instruments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CELSI worked closely with multiple partners to gather labour policy data, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic's impact on the labour market. These collaborative initiatives underline CELSI's dedication to standardising and harmonising data collection methodologies, enhancing their comparability and reliability. This enables valuable insights that facilitate informed policymaking to address existing and emerging labour challenges.

Inequality is a topic that transcends all areas of labour market research. The concepts of inequality and vulnerability have been evolving due to global technological and social transformations, resulting in new forms of work organisation and increasing social insecurity. Through the lenses of intersectionality, within the research area Inequality and Vulnerability we utilise innovative approaches to understand and examine various dimensions of inequality and their impact on the overall quality of life, particularly for vulnerable populations. This research area explores novel methodologies for studying inequality, social and economic insecurity, and the integration of individuals with disabilities, low-skilled workers, marginalised communities, as well as the protection of workers with atypical employment contracts, and individuals with migrant and ethnic backgrounds, among others.

The research area Green and Digital Transitions focuses on examining the current megatrends that are influencing the world of work, specifically digitisation, automation, and decarbonisation. We investigate how these trends impact both European employees and employers. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, our goal is to comprehend the future challenges and opportunities associated with what is commonly referred to as the "triple transformation." Additionally, we actively engage multiple stakeholders in meaningful dialogues concerning technological and ecological changes. This collaborative approach aims to facilitate the implementation of policies that ensure a just transition.

Care is crucial for the economy, productivity, development, and daily life, playing an essential role in social well-being. However, the excessive burden of unpaid work, which primarily affects women, reduces their labour market participation and underscores the significance of care work. Traditionally assigned to women, the redefinition of care is essential, necessitating the acknowledgement, valuation, and support for a balanced allocation of care among various actors, including the state, private sector, communities, and both men and women. CELSI's research area of Caring Societies focuses on employment relations, working conditions, and the governance of childcare, long-term care, and personal household services in Europe. By examining these aspects, we strive to advance our understanding of care-related issues, including labour dynamics, conditions, and the overall framework for providing childcare, long-term care, and personal household services.