Care4Work

Due to demographic shifts, caregiving is becoming an increasingly important aspect of our society. Decisions related to childcare often impact career trajectories, leading to part-time work, career sacrifices, or even workforce withdrawal. Women are primarily affected by these decisions, as caregiving in Austria remains largely a female responsibility (Behrens et al., 2018, p. 2).
Data on part-time employment underscores this trend: nearly 78% of all part-time employees are women (Statistik Austria, 2022a). Furthermore, caregiving for relatives is also predominantly performed by women. According to Statistik Austria (2011), one in ten women provides care for relatives, compared to only one in twenty men (cited in Offermanns & Schweiger, 2018, p. 185).In response to these challenges, four key measures have been defined within this project to address the increasing demands for care and to facilitate labor market access for those affected, especially women.
These measures include a needs analysis to identify priority actions required in the coming years due to demographic change, as well as a survey of available resources and services conducted in selected communities or specific regions. The project also emphasizes information preparation and networking, for example through innovative digital solutions – such as central platforms, apps, and dashboards – integrated with municipal or district-level systems to streamline access to information. Additionally, it includes intensive exchange and networking among key stakeholders, for instance through events and professional lectures. Sensitization and further education are also crucial, including offerings for caregiving relatives.Furthermore, comprehensive case management and empowerment are fundamental to the project’s goals, whereby existing caregiving and healthcare personnel are supported by specialists, and a cross-regional empowerment team is to be established (Handout: Changing Families).
Efforts will center on developing innovative digital solutions to better coordinate and utilize existing services for both childcare and elderly care.A high-level architectural plan for potential implementation is being developed by FH OÖ, Campus Hagenberg, building upon insights from previous modules developed by FHOÖ, Campus Linz (Kränzl-Nagl & Schwarz). Information on the IT systems currently used for needs assessment, planning, and coordination of childcare and elderly care facilities is considered beneficial for this purpose. Ultimately, the goal is not to develop new systems, but to better integrate and enhance existing ones.