Job quality is a priority in the EU, according to the Commission’s annual report

The quality of employment in the EU has improved over the last decade, according to the 2026 Social and Employment Outlook, published on 13 October. The report highlights progress in three areas: pay, job security and working hours. It also shows that better-quality jobs help to create a strong, productive and competitive economy.

The report concludes that better-quality jobs can boost productivity by improving motivation, reducing staff turnover, promoting skills development and supporting better work organisation.

The report also analyses current challenges, such as the slowdown in employment growth, weak productivity growth and pressure on household incomes resulting from high energy prices. It highlights that labour shortages tend to be more pronounced in lower-quality jobs, demonstrating that improving job quality can help attract and retain workers where they are most needed. In turn, higher productivity can help to improve wages and working conditions.

Later this year, the Commission will present the Quality Employment Act, following the second phase of consultation with the EU’s social partners.

In the words of Roxana Mînzatu , Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Employment and Readiness :

“The European labour market remains strong. Wages have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, employment growth is slowing, poverty reduction is not yet living up to our ambitions, and high energy prices are hitting lower-income households particularly hard. We are committed to creating more high-quality jobs across the EU. With the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, we want to ensure that jobs are available, and that they are fair, secure and rewarding for everyone.”

 

More information: European Commission