Type of Project: Funded project Scientific Work Study
I-AM - Research project on the potential of the Single Points of Contact for Employers (SPOCs) to promote inclusion in the general labor market

With this research project, we are investigating under what conditions and in what way Single Points of Contact for Employers (SPOCs) can contribute to promoting inclusion in the general labor market with their information, advice and support services. The methodological approach includes both explorative and evaluative parts and has the legally formulated mandate (§ 185a SGB IX) and the BIH recommendations on the EAA as central points of reference. Our approach: - After extensive document analyses, literature research and analyses of public statistics as well as selected expert interviews, we first want to get in touch personally with EAA advisors in all federal states and get to know their experiences and perspectives in the form of guided interviews. - We want to conduct in-depth case studies so that we can also show the impact of the EAA's work from the company perspective. In this context, both the employers receiving advice and the employees involved as well as, for example, the rehabilitation providers involved can be interviewed. - In order to gain an insight into the nationwide implementation practice of the EAA to date, we will also collect and evaluate quantitative data via an online survey of all EAA based on the initial findings from the field. - We are also aiming to conduct a survey of companies to find out more about awareness of the EAA and their needs. - With the aim of taking a holistic view, the respective regional characteristics will also be included, such as the labor market situation or the legal framework conditions. - In line with a participatory understanding of research, we plan reflection loops and feedback processes with the groups of people involved in order to be able to jointly compare the findings. Through the multi-layered analysis of the data obtained, we want to discover causal relationships, explain similarities and differences and identify practical options for action that can serve the further development of the EAA. The I-AM project is being carried out by Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and FOGS - Gesellschaft für Forschung und Beratung im Gesundheits- und Sozialbereich.