Working conditions of staff in non-formal education

Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, this mini-study focuses on analyzing the working conditions and motivation of staff in the field of non-formal education in Estonia. The main aim of the study is to complement previous research conducted by IBS on youth sector employees, by offering a more detailed overview of the roles and work organization of staff and managers in non-formal education institutions, as well as insights into employee recognition and opportunities for professional development. A particular focus of the study is exploring the professional identity of both staff and managers to understand how the definition of work roles influences the overall professionalism of the field, along with employees’ motivation and job satisfaction.

The results of the mini-study will serve as foundational input for a forthcoming study on non-formal cultural education. This next study will assess the structure and alignment of dance, visual arts, and music education with different levels of broader formal educational. Its ultimate goal is to evaluate the sustainability of non-formal education and identify the strengths and weaknesses in attracting and retaining new professionals, in order to support the development of the sector and improve its integration with the overall direction of the education system.