The new Eurofund report entitled, Social partners going digital: Using digital tools and adapting social dialogue process, involved collecting information on the following topics:

1. the use of digital tools by social partners to organise membership and services.

Even with some variations in the use of digital technologies across the EU Member States, Norway and the UK, and across organisations, with some being more digitally ready than others, these instruments are extensively used for sharing information, training activities and meetings, and for other services traditionally conducted face to face (back-office activities, providing advice, guidance and counselling to workers and companies).

The table shows the main challenges social partners declared to have to face with using digital technologies.

2. digitalisation in social dialogue processes

The COVID-19 pandemic tested digital forms of consultation: collective bargaining rounds were conducted online, organisations consulted with members using digital tools to determine priorities for the collective bargaining agenda and respond appropriately to policy debates.  However, it also emerged that virtual engagements were less effective in building relationships, particularly with regard to collective bargaining.

Social partners have signed agreements to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, recognising the central role of digitalisation in increasing productivity and its impact on work and employment. A number of collective agreements have been identified across Europe (in half of the Member States) and in Norway and the UK, focusing on various aspects such as digitalisation changing work organisation regulating data protection or health and safety associated risks .

3. national debates on digitalisation and the future of social dialogue in the digital age

The report confirms that digitalisation can bring mutual gains for both businesses and workers, and digital skills are seen as a lever for business growth and inclusion. It further concludes that digital tools offer social partners new opportunities to bridge information gaps and reach out to a wider membership and, in the case of employer organisations, to personalise services for members and promote digitalisation strategies within companies.

Social partners, governments, and training and education providers have the important role to bring workforce up to speed with digital skills. The role of social partners in regulating these aspects will be essential to a smooth, fair and inclusive digital transition.