Can employees exert influence on operational decisions that affect their work? Work organisation and everyday work processes are largely defined by organisational decisions. Consequently, the involvement of employees in such decisions has a major impact on the quality of their work.
The results are based on the self-assessment of the respondents as part of a Europe-wide telephone survey on working conditions. Specifically, these are employees who state that they are always or mostly involved in improving work organization or work processes, are involved before objectives are set for their work and are able to influence important decisions.
Over two-thirds of employees have an influence on important decisions about their work.
In 2021, 68% of respondents said they could influence important decisions about their work. 56% were consulted before objectives are set for their work and 54% were involved in the process of improving work organization or workflows.
Participation increases with age
Participation in operational decisions increases continuously over the course of one's employment biography. In the 15 to 24 age group, 61% of employees had an influence on important decisions about their work. The percentage was highest for employees aged 55 and over (76%). It can be assumed that the age-specific differences are also due to the influence of the length of service and the work experience gained in the later stages of working life.
| Age from ... to ... years | Influence on important decisions | Involvement in improvement processes | Influence on the goals setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source: European Working Conditions Survey (EWCTS) 2021 | |||
| 15 - 24 | 61 | 41 | 55 |
| 25 - 34 | 64 | 54 | 55 |
| 35 - 44 | 66 | 56 | 55 |
| 45 - 54 | 68 | 56 | 55 |
| 55 and older | 76 | 57 | 59 |
| Total | 68 | 54 | 56 |
Information on the Indicator
Description or definition
Percentage of employees (aged 15 or over) who can influence decisions that affect their work in all employees (aged 15 or over) with valid answer to the questions of organisational participation.
In concrete terms, these are employees who state that they are always or often involved in improving work organization or work processes, are involved before objectives are set for their own work and are able to influence important decisions.
Source
European Working Conditions Survey (EWCTS 2021)
Information for the interpretation
Results are based on the self-assessment of respondents in the European Working Conditions Survey. (EWCTS 2021).
For more information on the European Working Conditions Surveys (EWCS) and the comparability with results from previous surveys please refer to the website of Eurofound.