How social and mobile technologies can help
The risk of long-term unemployment is particularly high for unemployed persons over the age of 50. Researchers at the Institute for Business Analytics at Ulm University have developed a new, innovative approach to support this target group in their job search using social media: digital peer group counselling (DIGIPEG). Unemployed individuals over 50 support each other digitally, anonymously and voluntarily. DIGIPEG was introduced throughout Baden-Württemberg as part of a two-year application-oriented research project. Results show that digital peer groups significantly improve the job search – as measured by application activity, application skills and return to employment.
Those who lose their jobs at 50+ generally have a harder time getting back into the workforce than younger unemployed individuals. In addition to the job search, the psychological burden is also a challenge for those affected. Along with the risk of long-term unemployment, the threat of poverty in old age increases. Particularly in these times of demographic change, solutions to this problem are needed more than ever.