Emelie Thern

The purpose of our application for a network grant is to maintain and further develop our national interdisciplinary research network on alcohol and drug prevention in the workplace, which was initiated in 2022 and funded by FORTE.The primary objective of the network is to facilitate meetings among researchers, fostering discussions on how to strengthen knowledge and research on alcohol and drug prevention in the workplace, as well as exploring opportunities for the implementation of evidence-based knowledge. We also aim to generate new insights into preventive methods in the workplace by continuing to develop interdisciplinary research projects within the network.With the support of the network grant, we aim to:Meet regularly, approximately 3-4 times per yearWe aim to continue meeting, establishing contacts, and exploring potential collaborations with international researchers.Share the knowledge generated from our projects with relevant stakeholders to inform updated Swedish guidelines on alcohol prevention in the workplaceContinue writing joint interdisciplinary research grant applicationsAttend international research conferences together, and plan for symposia, presentations, etc.The grant will cover travel and accommodation expenses for network members and invited researchers, as well as costs related to seminars (e.g., venue bookings), newsletter and website.

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.

The retirement age is being raised gradually to counteract the financial consequences of an increasingly older population. However, with increasing age, and in particular after 50 years of age, an increasing number of persons are excluded from the labour market due to health problems. There are also increasing difficulties for young people and people in marginalized labor market positions to establish in the labor market. The research program addresses major challenges to create opportunities for a sustainable working life for all groups on the labor market by strengthening and updating the research on risk factors for poor health, and labor market marginalization and exclusion over the life-span among young, middle aged, and older male and female workers.The aims of the program are to extend knowledge on risk factors for labor market marginalisation and exclusion over the life course (WP1-3), and to identify policies and measures at workplaces that support a long working life (WP4). In four work packages we will study:WP1. Effects of long-term and accumulated poor working conditions on preterm labor-market exit, and potentially risk-reducing effects of occupational change and reduced occupational exposure WP2 Working-life expectancy among different occupational and socioeconomic groups WP3. Determinants and consequences of labor market marginalization over the life courseWP4. Work organizational structures promoting a sustainable working life for all The program is based on research and research collaborations that we have been involved in for many years, in an established environment now under expansion and development. The research team consists of both established and junior researchers from Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and the USA. A large, compiled register-based cohort (SWIP) that includes the entire Swedish population, born around 1990 or earlier, will be used in WP1-3. Data from surveys and qualitative interviews will also be collected (WP4).