Vulnerability to adverse life events among non-standard employees – Improving the prerequisites for undertaking work in different forms of employment

Research Problem and Specific Questions: This comprehensive study investigates the differential impacts of adverse life events on labor market trajectories and health outcomes between standard and non-standard employees in Sweden.

The research aims to address two pivotal questions: First, how do adverse life events affect the labor market and health trajectories of these two groups?

Second, how do non-standard workers cope with such events, particularly in terms of support from welfare and social security systems?Data and Method: The study utilizes a robust dataset encompassing approximately 5.4 million individuals aged 16-64 registered in Sweden from 2005 to 2022, integrating key administrative and healthcare registers.

This includes the Total Population Register, Multi-generation Register (MGR), LISA, and others.

The study comprises three work packages: a quantitative analysis using longitudinal methods and Cox Proportional Hazards Model to assess labor market outcomes and mortality risks; a qualitative analysis of interviews with non-standard employees focusing on personal experiences and coping strategies; and the development of a policy handbook informed by both quantitative and qualitative findings.Societal Relevance and Utilisation: This research is highly relevant in understanding the complexities of non-standard employment and its impact on individuals´ lives, especially during adverse events.

Insights from this study will inform policy makers, government agencies and labor organizations, about the unique challenges faced by non-standard employees, guiding them to develop more inclusive and supportive policies and practices.Plan for Project Realisation: Ethics and most of the data is already in place, building on previous successful projects.

The project will be executed in three phases: quantitative analysis of registry data, qualitative analysis of interviews, and synthesis of findings into a comprehensive policy handbook. The handbook will be reviewed by stakeholders and disseminated widely to maximize impact.

The project builds on previous successful policy dialogues and aims to enhance the support and reduce the vulnerability of non-standard employees through informed policy-making and practices.