The project abz*kompetent und gesund (translation: abz*competent and healthy) by abz*austria started in 2011 with the aim of enhancing the conditions and work satisfaction of female mobile care workers aged 35 and older.

The care sector is largely female and low paid while requirements are complex and societal recognition low. Conditions can be improved and women employed in the mobile care services strengthened only through a joint effort of the different stakeholders. With abz*kompetent und gesund this is achieved through a close cooperation with companies in the mobile care sector and the integration of stakeholders in the field of health, social and employment policies.

 The success factor, as Daniela Schallert, Managing Director of abz*austria explains, is to “involve as many perspectives and actors as possible”. Some of the burdens in the care sector are due to information, communication and coordination deficits with other relevant systems influencing the general working conditions. Consequently, the involvement of aspects like preventive health care, burn out prevention and further education and training is essential. Another important success factor is the involvement of stakeholders from all the different staff levels and professional backgrounds. Exchange within and across organisations was proven to be highly appreciated and successful.

A lesson learned from the first project round was for example that impact can be increased by addressing and empowering employees at lower managerial level as they hold a key position when it comes to preserving employability and motivation of mobile employees. Another focus of the project lies on researching and discussing international best practice in human resources and competence development. abz*kompetent und gesund (abz*competent and healthy) is funded by the ESF (European Social Fund) and WAFF (Vienna Employment Promotion Fund).