EU prioritizes job quality over Asian competition model

The European Union is charting a distinct course in the global economy, prioritizing job quality and worker well-being over the low-cost, high-intensity models seen in Asia. Katarzyna Wójcik, writing for Rzeczpospolita, argues that the EU's competitive edge lies not in being the cheapest or fastest, but in offering stability, predictability, and high-quality work within its knowledge-based economy.

Burned-out, constantly monitored employees might offer short-term gains, but they ultimately become a burden on companies, healthcare systems, and the economy. Brussels recognizes this, viewing the labor market through the lens of work organization, not just employment numbers. This focus is evident in the EU's increasing emphasis on the right to disconnect, algorithmic transparency, and mental comfort.

These initiatives are framed not merely as social sensitivity but as a strategic attempt to build a unique European model of competitiveness. The European Commission stresses that good work encompasses more than just salary; it includes working conditions, social protection, training opportunities, career prospects, and resilience to technological, climate, and demographic transformations. The upcoming EU act on high-quality jobs is expected to provoke reactions from employers, signaling a significant shift in labor policy.