Meet Cătălin Buzoianu, an expert on social work organisations and a sociologist/anthropologist specialized in labor migrations.
I have a background in sociology and anthropology and extensive work experience in different spheres of the German social sector (disability, migration and social rights, youth social work) as well as Higher Education (knowledge transfer and further education). Currently I am writing my PhD thesis on the role of migrant social counselling centres in the German welfare state. Since April 2020 I have been teaching classes on migration-related topics as a Guest Lecturer at the Evangelische Hochschule Berlin.
Question 1: What are the three things people should know about you?
I always aim to understand the bigger picture in my work. Professional responsibility and ethics are very important to me. I’m a voracious reader of science fiction and fantasy.
Question 2: What fascinates you about your work?
I’m fascinated by the interplay between personal, professional and political dimensions of Romanian labor migration. After having worked in social counselling for Romanian nationals in Germany, I returned to sociological research to understand how to improve social participation, working conditions and local services for migrant workers. As a Romanian immigrant myself, these are not simply abstract topics, but very much practical questions, which inform my work.
Question 3: If there were no limitations, what would you recommend companies do to advance the rights of people in business?
I would recommend three things: 1) a fair and comprehensible remuneration structure; 2) a safe and direct communication channel between management and workers for work-related feedback; 3) transparent pathways for career advancement or, if not applicable, inclusive structures of decision-making in work-related matters.
Question 4: What is the most pressing question in your field of work right now and how are you approaching it?
The most pressing question is how to improve the participation and protection of migrant workers. As Germany’s potential for innovation is lagging behind that of other advanced economies, labor recruitment, personnel retention and resilient supply chains become crucial topics for companies and regulatory bodies. I’m interested in how companies faced with challenging economic and environmental conditions can take responsibility, and develop resilient infrastructures: flexible supply chains, fair working conditions, increased workers’ commitment. Whether logistics and labor recruitment sectors or transportation and cleaning services, suppliers and contractors play a vital but largely overlooked part in responsible business.
Question 5: What do you envision the world of responsible business will look like in 10 years?
Climate change resulting from human activities will dramatically increase societal awareness of the welfare of workers, both home and abroad. In turn, consumers and regulatory bodies will increasingly hold businesses responsible for providing fair working conditions to their employees. Workers’ welfare and preservation of livable ecosystems will become the normal “costs” of doing business.
Get in touch with Cătălin Buzoianu via Linkedin or via email: catalin.buzoianu@fu-berlin.de
