The ERI has a broad spectrum of work, and is not limited to the following areas, however, most of our projects do fall under the following.
Exploring how people work and the ever changing nature of work, this area of research covers issues such as employment and employability, transitions from education to work, social networks, smart and healthy working practices and policy, supporting bodies and initiatives, work as it relates to families, and many more areas. It focuses on employment in terms of work and career, how it relates to day to day living and quality of life as well as issues of commerce and government policy.
In order to understand employment, it is crucial to understand economic context. Several of our projects explore this area, both regionally and internationally. Economic development also covers areas of interest for individuals, exploring entrepreneurship and community involvement to create a better understanding of how activities relating to employment interact with economic and social development. Issues include travel to work and transport.
It is broadly recognised that being in good employment is good for health and wellbeing. As such wellbeing is a common theme across all our research activities. Specifically this research area builds on our expertise on employability by focusing on the relationship between health, work and wellbeing. Our experience in this area includes examination of work-life balance issues, evaluation of relevant governmental policies and practices, the changing nature of work, investigation of business attitudes and good management practice in supporting health and wellbeing in, and through, employment.
One of the areas that we are most passionate about is the area of equality. As it relates to employment, as it is defined or shaped by employment and what issues arise regarding employability. Serious issues conventionally associated with employability in the workforce have been looked at by our institute, such ageism, sexism, a bias against families, etc. However, when taken further, exploring what barriers people face to work covers much more ground and often comes down to practical concerns. For example, past research has found that issues such as transportation or childcare often play a significant role in equal opportunities.