Transformative Social Protection and the Future of Care Work: Addressing Labor Market Challenges in Romanian Senior Care

This study investigates the labor market challenges faced by employees and managers in Romania’s senior care sector, highlighting how transformative social protection could reshape this critical area of work. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews with care workers and managers in nursing homes, the research explores the daily responsibilities, emotional and physical challenges, and structural difficulties encountered by care workers. These challenges include low wages, staff shortages, and burnout, which reflect broader labor market inequalities. From the managerial perspective, the study delves into workforce management, including the struggles of securing funding, dealing with regulatory frameworks, and retaining qualified employees.

As the global labor market shifts due to automation and digitalization, Romania’s care sector—while not yet influenced by platform work—may soon face similar transformations. Although platform-based care workers are not currently widespread, this emerging form of employment could represent a new frontier in senior care. The study speculates on how platform care work might integrate into Romania's care economy and the need for transformative social protection policies to ensure these workers have access to decent work, fair wages, and professional development opportunities.

This research contributes to the panel’s focus by illustrating how transformative social protection can address labor market barriers in senior care, such as improving working conditions, promoting job security, and ensuring workforce integration. It also offers a forward-looking perspective on the potential for platform care work to impact the sector in Romania. By situating senior care within the broader context of labor market changes, the study highlights how social protection can both alleviate immediate economic pressures and provide long-term structural support for one of the most essential, yet undervalued, areas of work.