Eurofound's EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.
Overview of measures by type
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
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13 April 2020 Updated |
Self-isolation Vienna Energy
Other |
19 May 2020 |
Austrian armed forces 'take over' postal logistics services
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
Reorientation of business activities |
13 April 2020 |
Good practice: Snowblowers to blow disinfectants
Change of production/innovation |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
|
---|---|
27 November 2020 |
Actiris: Alternative forms of training introduced
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
27 November 2020 |
Specific Covid-19 related HR measures at company level
Well-being of workers |
27 November 2020 |
Centralized crisis coordination at company level
Changes of management approach |
27 November 2020 |
New digital communication platform to maintain contact
Occupational health and safety |
27 November 2020 |
University Hospital Antwerp: Change of work organisation and psychological support for staff
Well-being of workers |
27 November 2020 |
Argenta: Bank introduces crisis management team
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Employment protection and retention |
|
---|---|
09 March 2021 |
Kaufland Bulgaria: Care for employees
Working time and working time flexibility |
09 March 2021 |
Lidl Bulgaria with "COVID Shield" certificate
Working time and working time flexibility |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
16 May 2022 |
Lidl offers jobs and language training to Ukrainians in Bulgaria
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
12 January 2022 |
Limiting the risk of COVID-19 in Sofia University
Occupational health and safety |
12 January 2022 Updated |
Preventing the spread of the COVID-19 in hotel Augusta
Occupational health and safety |
12 January 2022 |
Pension payment arrangements introduced by Bulgarian Posts
Well-being of workers |
08 December 2020 |
VMware office Bulgaria: Successful adaptation of the work processes to the new business reality
Changes in work organisation |
08 December 2020 |
Lesaffre Bulgaria: Effects of the pandemic on business and changes in the way of working
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
04 December 2020 |
Ficosota Bulgaria: Successful reorganisation of operations for safety of personnel
Occupational health and safety |
Reorientation of business activities |
11 January 2022 |
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in METRO stores
Change of production/innovation |
10 January 2022 |
New means of payment for energy bills
Change of production/innovation |
10 January 2022 |
Sofia Plus App
Change of production/innovation |
10 January 2022 |
COVID-19 prevention at Port Burgas
Change of production/innovation |
09 January 2022 |
Digital services delivered by ENERGO-PRO
Change of production/innovation |
08 December 2020 Updated |
Foodpanda Bulgaria: Expanding services and supporting partner businesses to survive
Change of production/innovation |
Employment protection and retention |
|
---|---|
24 April 2020 Updated |
Adris group management agreed to cut their salaries to avoid layoffs
Wage flexibility |
12 April 2020 Updated |
Tourism company Valamar sets up the employment retention programme 'Pause, Restart'
Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work) |
Measures to prevent social hardship |
04 July 2020 Updated |
Extension of moratorium or deferral payment on loans with Sberbank d.d.
Preventing over-indebtedness |
24 April 2020 Updated |
New services of Croatian Post for elderly citizens
Provision of services in kind (e.g. food vouchers) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
24 June 2020 Updated |
Combis officially implements remote work model
Changes of working hours or work arrangements |
Reorientation of business activities |
21 October 2020 Updated |
New joint delivery service by Konzum and Uber
Change of production/innovation |
Supporting businesses to stay afloat |
08 April 2020 Updated |
Banks will not take enforcement measures to collect debts from companies or citizens
Deferral of payments or liabilities |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
17 December 2020 |
New technologies in Alpha-Mega Hypermarkets for health and safety
Occupational health and safety |
17 December 2020 |
Lidl Cyprus health and safety protection protocol
Occupational health and safety |
10 December 2020 |
Protection measures in the Bank of Cyprus branch offices
Changes in work organisation |
Reorientation of business activities |
18 December 2020 |
Incredible, Pick-up Service in Nicosia Mall
Change of production/innovation |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
02 February 2021 |
Liftago: Replacement of passengers transport by consignments
Change of work arrangements (working time, rota schemes) |
03 December 2020 |
The remuneration of retail chain employees due to worsened working conditions during the pandemic
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
03 February 2021 |
AVAST: Changes in working hours and employee involvement
Flexibilisation and security |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
03 February 2021 |
Chytrý Honza: Accelerated investment in IT in financial services company
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
30 November 2020 |
3D printers against the COVID-19 pandemic
Change of production/innovation |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
16 December 2020 Updated |
Systematically test against COVID-19
Occupational health and safety |
23 December 2020 Updated |
Local businesses keep the wheels turning despite the corona
Changes in work organisation |
Reorientation of business activities |
05 January 2021 |
Alu-company strengthens sales efforts through structured sales tools
Change of production/innovation |
18 December 2020 |
Danish industrial companies change production to protective equipment
Change of production/innovation |
16 December 2020 Updated |
Business model adaptation at Letz Sushi
Change of production/innovation |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
29 October 2020 |
E-club by sport club Akros
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
28 October 2020 |
Punch started manufacturing disinfection products
Change of production/innovation |
03 November 2020 |
Contactless delivery and new services by Bolt
Change of production/innovation |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
23 October 2020 |
Temporarily laid-off employees of passenger airline Finland given an opportunity to work for private healthcare providers
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
30 November 2020 |
Kotkamills' workers autonomy increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
Changes of management approach |
23 October 2020 |
COVID-19 hotline for franchisees and employees of fast food chain Kotipizza
Well-being of workers |
23 October 2020 |
Telecommunications company Elisa's COVID-19 General Exit guidelines
Occupational health and safety |
Reorientation of business activities |
27 October 2020 |
Passenger airline Finnair sells pre-cooked meals in Finnish supermarkets
Change of production/innovation |
29 October 2020 |
HOK-Elanto transferred 800 employees from restaurants to grocery stores in order to meet the needs of the rapidly changing market
Transfer or redeployment of workers |
Employment protection and retention |
|
---|---|
31 March 2020 |
Danone guarantees jobs and salaries to all its employees for 3 months
Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work) |
Employment protection and retention |
|
---|---|
26 October 2020 Updated |
Flexibility in wages and working hours at Covestro
Wage flexibility |
15 September 2020 |
Short-time work at Thyssenkrupp Steel
Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work) |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
08 December 2020 Updated |
Corona premia for employees in German Parliament
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
17 April 2020 |
HR partnership between McDonald's and ALDI
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
Measures to prevent social hardship |
01 December 2020 |
Short-time work at Steigenberger Hotel Frankfurt
Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support) |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
09 December 2020 Updated |
Corona bonus at Daimler Germany
Support for spending, stimulus packages |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
09 December 2020 Updated |
New Normal Working Model at Siemens
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
10 December 2020 Updated |
Integrating outsourced workers at Tönnies
Well-being of workers |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
11 September 2020 |
Bonuses from supermarket chains to reward their employees.
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
05 February 2021 Updated |
Cosmote: Digital services to customers and citizens during the pandemic
Other |
Reorientation of business activities |
08 June 2020 Updated |
COVID-19 Response Greece initiative - community of volunteers
Change of production/innovation |
06 February 2021 |
Retail: “Click away” shopping during Christmas period
Change of production/innovation |
06 February 2021 |
LARIPLAST S.A.: Reorientation of production due the COVID-19 pandemic
Change of production/innovation |
Supporting businesses to stay afloat |
05 February 2021 |
Chandris Hotels: Complete crisis-handling business plan
Other |
04 February 2021 |
MYTILINEOS: Changes to the operational plan to face the COVID-19 pandemic
Other |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
12 November 2020 |
Bonuses, overnight shift at Tesco
Changes of working hours or work arrangements |
09 November 2020 |
Large electronics manufacturer – COVID-19 defence measure
Occupational health and safety |
Supporting businesses to stay afloat |
01 December 2020 |
LIRA books and publishing group COVID-19 experience
Other |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
07 February 2021 |
Manufacturing companies pay bonus to employees working onsite
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
07 February 2021 |
Ervia: Agile work programme aided move to remote working during pandemic
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
28 November 2020 |
Giovanni Rana: Extraordinary plan of wage increases in pasta manufacturing company
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
03 December 2020 |
Telemedicine at IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele
Change of work arrangements (working time, rota schemes) |
Income protection beyond short-time work |
28 November 2020 Updated |
Trenord: New company health insurance policy in case of COVID-19 infection
Paid sick leave |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
02 December 2020 |
Siropack: Extraordinary health insurance against COVID-19
Well-being of workers |
Reorientation of business activities |
02 December 2020 Updated |
Temporary conversion of FCA plants to produce masks
Change of production/innovation |
02 December 2020 |
LMA Aerospace Technology starts producing masks and sanification instruments
Change of production/innovation |
Reorientation of business activities |
|
---|---|
09 December 2020 |
Crafts beer producer Labietis changes distribution channels
Change of production/innovation |
09 December 2020 |
Madara Cosmetics starts to produce hand disinfectants
Change of production/innovation |
07 December 2020 |
Latvijas balzams produces hand and surface sanitizer
Change of production/innovation |
16 April 2020 |
Hackathon contest leads to the production of Shield48 face shields
Change of production/innovation |
09 December 2020 Updated |
E. Gulbja laboratory creates automated analysis collection machine
Change of production/innovation |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
30 October 2020 |
Maxima gets its employees insured against COVID-19
Occupational health and safety |
03 November 2020 |
Distance work arrangements in Ignitis Group
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
13 April 2021 |
Danske Bank gives employees a grant to upgrade their workspace at home
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
03 November 2020 |
Lesta starts production of disinfectant liquid
Change of production/innovation |
08 April 2020 |
Online platform "There is no quarantine on the Internet"
Creation of platforms for businesses aimed at customer |
Reorientation of business activities |
|
---|---|
10 November 2020 |
Dupont de Nemours Luxembourg S.À R.L: Large increase in demand for protection equipment
Change of production/innovation |
10 November 2020 Updated |
Protective masks made in Luxembourg
Change of production/innovation |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
16 November 2020 Updated |
Idle tourism workers to join COVID-19 track and trace team
Mobilisation of a larger workforce |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
16 November 2020 |
Taxi company adapts to COVID-19
Occupational health and safety |
Reorientation of business activities |
16 November 2020 |
Bortex Tailoring shift production to make facemasks and scrubs
Change of production/innovation |
16 November 2020 |
English language schools try to adapt during COVID-19
Change of production/innovation |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
02 December 2020 |
Opti-Flor: Change of internal communication corona
Change of work arrangements (working time, rota schemes) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
02 December 2020 |
VodafoneZiggo: Long-term remote working policy
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
02 December 2020 |
Larger than Live: Delivery of online live concerts
Change of production/innovation |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
18 December 2020 |
Increased use of new digital platforms
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
17 December 2020 |
Use of home office in public and private companies
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
12 September 2022 |
Financial benefits for coal industry workers
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Measures to prevent social hardship |
11 May 2020 Updated |
Optional credit and mortgage freezes
Preventing over-indebtedness |
20 May 2022 |
Free healthcare offered by LUX MED for refugees from Ukraine
Access to healthcare |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
12 February 2021 |
E.Wedel: Crisis team for safe production
Occupational health and safety |
12 February 2021 |
Volkswagen Poznań: Sanitary and organisational adaptations in the automotive production
Occupational health and safety |
10 February 2021 |
Netguru: Remote working and well-being at IT company
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
06 February 2021 |
Allegro: remote working policy development
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
06 February 2021 |
Schaeffler Global Services Europe: Remote working and workplace well-being measures
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
07 February 2021 Updated |
Autoliv starts to produce masks
Change of production/innovation |
Supporting businesses to stay afloat |
15 April 2021 Updated |
Liquidity loan for Polish Mining Group
Access to finance |
19 April 2021 Updated |
Enter Air signs loan agreement for €60 million
Access to finance |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
01 December 2020 |
Norauto: Employees involvement against COVID-19 challenges and change work organisation
Change of work arrangements (working time, rota schemes) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
01 December 2020 |
Go4All - collaborative platform for remote working
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
01 December 2020 |
Destilaria Levira: Change in production processes
Change of production/innovation |
01 December 2020 |
CEiiA - change of business activity to face COVID-19 pandemic
Change of production/innovation |
01 December 2020 |
Solution Ozone: Change of core business
Change of production/innovation |
01 December 2020 |
Host: Digital service as response to COVID-19 restrictions
Creation of platforms for businesses aimed at customer |
Employment protection and retention |
|
---|---|
20 November 2020 |
Maintenance of employment in KIA Motors Slovakia
Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work) |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
29 October 2020 Updated |
Organisational changes and dismissals in Best Hotel Properties
Other |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
25 September 2020 |
Help with heart: Labour market re-integration for disabled workers
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
26 November 2020 |
Homeworking in VSE Holding
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
05 April 2020 Updated |
Production of personal sanitary protective masks
Change of production/innovation |
10 April 2020 Updated |
Changes in the production of St. Nicolaus Distillery in Leopoldov
Change of production/innovation |
19 November 2020 |
Product innovation in Slovnaft Bratislava
Change of production/innovation |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
|
---|---|
27 November 2020 |
Pivka perutninarstvo - an example of good practice
Occupational health and safety |
10 September 2020 |
A new employment model in Höfe
Changes of working hours or work arrangements |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
25 November 2020 |
Bonuses to Mercadona employees during the health emergency
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
27 November 2020 |
Salary bonus for HM Hospitals workers
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
01 December 2020 |
ING: Free choice of up to 100% telework
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
27 November 2020 |
Alain Afflelou: Technological innovation to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Occupational health and safety |
Reorientation of business activities |
26 November 2020 |
Repsol adapts part of its production to hydroalcoholic gel
Change of production/innovation |
26 November 2020 |
SEAT: Temporary conversion to produce respirators
Change of production/innovation |
27 November 2020 |
B&B Hotels: transformation of rooms into offices
Change of production/innovation |
01 December 2020 |
L'Oréal: Production of hand sanitizer gel
Change of production/innovation |
Supporting businesses to stay afloat |
23 November 2020 |
Aid plan for franchisees of Restalia group
Deferral of payments or liabilities |
Ensuring business continuity and support for essential services |
|
---|---|
30 October 2020 |
Elite Hotels offer subsidised stays for people in risk groups and health care staff
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
30 October 2020 |
SportAdmin offers digital gym training twice a week
Well-being of workers |
29 October 2020 |
KTH:s remote working rules and return to work
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
Reorientation of business activities |
30 October 2020 |
Absolut Vodka's change in business activity to produce disinfection
Change of production/innovation |
30 October 2020 |
Essity changes core business to manufacture protective masks
Change of production/innovation |
Measures to prevent social hardship |
|
---|---|
01 December 2020 |
Anglian Water: Giving back to the community during crisis
Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support) |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery |
11 March 2021 |
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities: A pilot to overhaul hiring processes in the wake of COVID
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
Protection of workers, adaptation of workplace |
01 December 2020 |
BAE Systems: Social distancing measures help staff return to work safely
Changes of working hours or work arrangements |
02 December 2020 |
British Land: Safe commuting in the return to work
Well-being of workers |
01 December 2020 |
'Better Food': Response to the Pandemic
Well-being of workers |
10 March 2021 |
Nationwide's job guarantee during the pandemic
Teleworking arrangements, remote working |
11 March 2021 |
Digital Learning and Development at NHS Blood and Transplant service
Changes in work organisation |
02 December 2020 |
The Mental Health Matters charity: Well-being packages for employees
Well-being of workers |
Reorientation of business activities |
01 December 2020 |
Brewdog: Protecting staff, business and community
Change of production/innovation |
01 December 2020 |
Siemens Healthineers: Company supports staff volunteering at the National Health Service
Transfer or redeployment of workers |
12 September 2022
Although the worldwide pandemic situation had already disrupted supply chains and triggered increases in energy and food prices in 2021, the situation deteriorated in 2022 with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Article12 September 2022
Policies to support EU companies affected by the war in Ukraine
This article summarises the first policy responses that governments across the EU have started to implement to support companies affected by the rising prices, and those with commercial ties to Ukraine, Russia or Belarus.
5 July 2022
This article summarises the first policy responses of EU Member States, including those of the social partners and other civil society actors, enabling refugees to exercise their rights under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Article16 June 2022
In the second pandemic year 2021, access to one's place of work was increasingly dependent on providing proof of either having been tested, vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in several countries.
Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.