A structured approach for transitioning individuals and organisations from current to desired states.

A collaborative method in which employees and stakeholders jointly shape programmes, services, or processes.

Training designed to develop specific skills that contribute to both employee growth and organisational goals.

Ensuring that all people, regardless of age, gender, background, or digital skill level, can access and effectively use digital technologies. Source: European Commission, 2030 Digital Compass (2021).

A simple metric that measures employee advocacy by asking how likely they are to recommend their workplace. Used to evaluate engagement and organisational climate.

The European Quality Assurance Reference Framework, providing indicators, review cycles and guidelines for building a culture of quality and learning within organisations.

Fair treatment of all employees by providing equal access to opportunities and resources, taking into account different needs and starting points. Source: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

A framework used to assess how organisations manage environmental impact, social responsibility and ethical governance practices. Recognised by the European Commission as a key driver of sustainable business performance.

A set of tools developed by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work to help companies identify, evaluate and prevent psychosocial hazards such as stress, workload and poor communication.

A systematic process where information about performance informs adjustments.

A flexible work model combining in-office and remote work, supported by digital tools. Source: European Parliament Research Service, Hybrid Work Report (2021).

The collective knowledge an organisation retains through documentation, routines, and shared practices, ensuring continuity and reducing the impact of staff turnover.

A measurable value used to track progress toward strategic, environmental, social or organisational goals. KPIs help MSMEs monitor results and guide decisions.

The ability to lead and motivate employees and take responsibility. This includes strong communication skills, decision-making ability and empathy. Good leadership provides direction and promotes trust within the team.

A shared understanding within the company that learning is part of everyday working life. A positive learning culture promotes openness, exchange and continuous development of all employees.

A leadership style that inspires and engages employees through recognition, transparency, and empowerment rather than pressure. Source: International Labour Organization (ILO).

The long-term capacity of a business to remain viable by integrating economic, social, and environmental goals.

A methodology that ensures individuals affected by a decision participate in its creation.

An iterative model promoted by EMAS and ISO systems to guide continuous improvement in organisations.

A shared belief that team members can speak up without fear.

A shared organisational mindset focused on responsibility, consistency, and ongoing improvement. It emerges when all staff understand quality standards and contribute to maintaining and enhancing them.

The ability to deal constructively with stress, change and crises. Resilient managers and teams remain capable of acting and solution-oriented even under pressure.

A goal-setting method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) used in EU projects and SME strategies to create clear and trackable improvement plans.

Confidence among team members that colleagues will act fairly, share information, and support each other, especially in hybrid or remote settings. Source: European Commission, Future of Work Reports (2020).

Cooperative collaboration between employees with common goals. It is based on trust, clear roles and open communication and is a key success factor for small businesses.

Community knowledge systems that help structure sustainable practices.

The combined digital and green transformation promoted by the European Commission to improve productivity, sustainability and competitiveness across European SMEs.

Targeted expansion and deepening of existing professional skills. Upskilling strengthens adaptability, innovation and employability in a changing world of work.

A structured set of actions designed to improve physical, mental, and organisational well-being.

A structured organisational plan to enhance employee health, motivation, and work satisfaction.

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how people work together in an organization. Source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).