1. Employers’ efforts to encourage older workers to retire later : a case study of large companies in SloveniaVesna Novak, Anja Vidmar, Janja Jerebic, Alenka Brezavšček, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background and Purpose: Most developed societies are facing the challenge of an ageing population, which poses several issues, including low labour force participation and financial pressures on the sustainability of the pension system. Countries typically address this situation by raising the retirement age, which often results in dissatisfaction among workers as such decisions are perceived as imposed. Therefore, our work’s main purpose was to research the analysis of implementing measures for managing older workers in companies, which would indirectly influence workers’ decisions to voluntarily choose longer work participation. Design/Methodology/Approach: We designed our study on the assumption that companies that more frequently conduct various analyses of their employees also pay greater attention to measures for managing older workers. In doing so, we focused on the measures that the literature identifies as important for keeping older workers employed for longer. The data source was a study from 2020, which sampled large companies in Slovenia with more than 100 employees. We posed the questions to the person responsible for human resource management in the company. The initial question was whether conducting employee analyses is associated with the implementation of measures focused on education and training, skills transfer, and career development as well as managing the health of older workers. We formulated three main hypotheses, which we confirmed using linear correlation analysis. Results: We found that companies that conduct more frequent analyses of employees’ qualifications and competencies, on average, also more frequently implement measures related to the area of education and training of older workers and to the area of knowledge transfer and career development of older workers. We confirmed statistically significant correlations in general as well as at the level of particular measures. Furthermore, we found that companies that more frequently conduct analyses of the health structure of employees, on average, also more frequently implement measures in the field of managing the health of older workers. We concluded that companies that conduct employee analyses more frequently demonstrate a higher level of commitment to implementing measures for managing older workers, which subsequently impacts their decision to retire later. Conclusion: By conducting employee analyses, companies gain important information that leads to the timely and sufficiently frequent implementation of measures for managing older employees. With empirical data, we have supported our prediction that the frequency of implementing measures through which companies can influence older workers’ decisions for later retirement is associated with the frequent conduction of employee analyses. This article has contributed to our understanding of ageing and the treatment of older workers. It has also highlighted a softer approach to promoting prolonged work engagement for older employees as an alternative to unwanted, legally imposed later retirement. Keywords: an ageing population, management of older workers, education and training, knowledge transfer and career, health management Published in DKUM: 26.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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2. Organizational and individual antecedents of resistance to change : organizational climate and technology readinessHasan Sadık Tatli, Ahmet Melih Eyi̇tmi̇ş, Muhammet Zeki Zümrüt, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background and purpose: There is interest in barriers to change in organizations. This research discusses factors affecting resistance to change based on employees’ technological competencies. This research aims to determine the mediating role of technology readiness in the effect of organizational climate in health institutions on resistance to change. Methodology: Research data were collected from 389 employees working in the healthcare sector. SPSS Process 2.13 macro was used to analyze the model. Results: According to the analysis results, organizational climate positively affected technology readiness. Additionally, organizational climate reduced resistance to change. In addition, employees’ readiness for technology reduced resistance to change. Finally, the mediating role of technology readiness (motivating and blocking factors) in the effect of organizational climate on resistance to change was significant. Further, a positive organizational climate in healthcare institutions increased employees’ readiness for new technologies and significantly reduced employees’ resistance to change. Conclusion: Creating a positive organizational climate can be vital in successfully implementing change processes in the healthcare sector. At the end of the research, theoretical and practical suggestions were presented. The research contributes to the literature by addressing the antecedents of resistance to change from organizational and individual perspectives. Keywords: healthcare workers, organizational climate, resistance to change, technology readiness Published in DKUM: 05.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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3. The influence of auditory dysfunction on ergonomic workplace design for aging employeesMatjaž Maletič, Albin Kotnik, Zvone Balantič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background/Objectives: This research focuses on the increasing presence of older workers in the labor market, a group particularly vulnerable to hearing problems due to age-related changes and prolonged noise exposure. Methods: The research combines theoretical and empirical approaches to investigate the impact of noise on the workplaces of older employees. The empirical component is based on two primary methods: a survey and audiometric testing to assess participants’ hearing abilities. The study included a sample of 50 older workers, all with diagnosed hearing loss. Results: The results of the survey showed that most older workers are regularly exposed to noise at work, which has long-term negative effects on their hearing. This highlights the need to introduce appropriate protective measures such as personal protective equipment, insulation of noise sources, and raising awareness about the dangers of noise. In addition to the questionnaire survey, the analysis of hearing measurements revealed that all respondents had significant bilateral hearing loss, with sensorineural hearing loss being the most prevalent type. Conclusions: This study highlights the negative impact of chronic noise exposure in the workplace on the hearing, communication and productivity of older workers and emphasizes the importance of combining preventive measures, hearing protection and workplace adaptations to promote their well-being and performance. Keywords: hearing dysfunction, older workers, noise exposure, ergonomics, audiometric assessments, workers’ perception Published in DKUM: 04.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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4. Access of platform workers to collective rights – the fall of the binary divide?Aljoša Polajžar, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: platform work, collective labour rights, platform workers, self-employed, collective bargaining, right to strike, information and consultation rights, antitrust law, platform work directive Published in DKUM: 29.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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5. Digital transformation and workforce dynamics: an empirical analysis of blue-collar and white-collar workers in AustriaVito Bobek, Hellen Nambasa, Tatjana Horvat, Lea-Marija Colarič-Jakše, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: Digital Transformation, white-collar workers, blue-collar workers, digital maturity, job displacement, automation, workforce management, Austria, skills training, labor market Published in DKUM: 22.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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6. Analysis of the criteria for establishing the existence of an employment relationship of platform workers under the Platform Work Directive – high expectations and limited outcome?Aljoša Polajžar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: In this paper, the author critically analyses and evaluates the content of the adopted Platform Work Directive from the perspective of the content of the criteria for the establishment of a presumption of an employment relationship. In doing so, the author also compares the content of the finally adopted Directive with the initial proposal of the Platform Work Directive in 2021. The author concludes that the criteria set out in the 2021 proposal represented a significant advance in the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the criteria for establishing the existence of a presumption of an employment relationship of platform workers. However, due to the impossibility of reaching a political compromise, the criteria in question were dropped from the adopted version of the Directive in 2024, leaving only a more abstract and vague formulation for establishing the existence of a presumption of an employment relationship. It is thus left to the Member States to formulate more concretely the substantive criteria for the existence of a presumption of an employment relationship. Finally, the author elaborates on some of the advantages and disadvantages of the adopted content of the Platform Work Directive. Keywords: platform work, employment status, platform work directive, platform workers, presumption of an employment relationship, EU labour law Published in DKUM: 24.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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7. Wages and income impacts of a liberal migration policy : an experimental studyVeronika Mitkova, Sona Kralova, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: This article investigates the impact of a liberal migration policy that increases
labour quotas by 5% on wages and income of residents, native migrants, and
new migrants. The article focuses on the impact of migration in 21 areas, with
particular attention given to Slovakia and Germany. It is based on data collected
from the Global Trade Analysis Project database and the experimental design
by Walmsley, Ahmed, and Parsons, with adjustments to capture current global
migration flows. The findings indicate that the immigration of new unskilled
workers negatively impacts the real wages of unskilled residents, decreasing
them by almost 3%, while the arrival of skilled workers increases them by
0.73%. Similarly, the real wages of skilled residents decrease by 2.62% due
to the arrival of new skilled migrants, while unskilled migration results in its
increase by 0.53%. These findings can aid policymakers in developing policies
that maximize the benefits of migration. This research provides new insights
into the wage effects of migration in different areas, focusing on Germany
and Slovakia. Keywords: CGE Model, labour migration, wages, migrant workers, labour policy Published in DKUM: 28.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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8. Surveying healthcare workers to improve the design, wearer experience and sustainability of PPE isolation gownsSonja Šterman, Katherine Townsend, Eloise Salter, Karen Harrigan, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: This protective clothing design project responds to the urgent need for research into the redesign of personal protective equipment (PPE) isolation gowns, to be more fit for purpose and reusable to enhance the experiences of healthcare workers treating patients with COVID-19 and variants. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) the research addresses the engineering question: “What new materials, design and manufacturing approaches should we start to consider in preparation for pandemics e.g. reusable PPE to replace single use?” The article focuses on the online questionnaire/ survey, its main findings and the ‘participatory clothing design’ methodology which prioritises the lived experiences and expressed needs of healthcare workers wearing disposable and reusable PPE in acute care scenarios. Research methods include literature and gown reviews, selected interviews and survey directed at nurses, to acquire first-hand qualitative data about the impact of current gown design and procurement policies on wearers. Selected results and commentary from the ongoing survey are presented and thematically analysed to inform the development of reusable gowns. Semi-structured interviews with clinical leads and caregivers, as well as responses from users, will be important to integrate expertise in fashion, textile and uniform design, clinical practice, and manufacturing. Further design will be based on a complex design brief that balances the needs of wearers and critical care providers while considering regulations, protection, comfort, sustainability, and cost. This research focuses on enhancing an overlooked area of critical care clothing and the people who wear it while reducing its detrimental impact on the planet. Keywords: zdravstveni delavci, ankete, izolacijske obleke, oblačila za večkratno uporabo, izkušnje uporabnika, kvalitativno raziskovanje, healthcare workers, surveys, isolation gowns, reusable PPE, wearer experience, qualitative research Published in DKUM: 26.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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9. Burnout and job satisfaction of healthcare workers in Slovenian nursing homes in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemicLjiljana Leskovic, Karmen Erjavec, Robert Leskovar, Goran Vukovič, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction and objective: Since there is no study on burnout and job satisfaction in Slovenian nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to analyse job satisfaction and burnout levels of healthcare professionals working in Slovenian nursing homes in rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic, and make a comparison with the results of the same services in 2013.
Material and methods: The study is based on a cross-organisational and descriptive quantitative study conducted in spring 2013 (n = 556) and spring 2020 at the peak of the pandemic in Eastern Europe (n = 781) to identify the relationships and the changes in the satisfaction and burnout levels of healthcare professionals working in Slovenian nursing homes in rural areas, and on a qualitative study conducted in 2020, to identify in-depth relationships and changes in both studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: An increase in burnout syndromes between 2013 – 2020 was observed. The respondents experienced intensified emotional exhaustion and lack of personal accomplishment during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, depersonalisation did not differ statistically over the years. During the pandemic crisis, healthcare workers were less satisfied with their job than in spring 2013. Their job satisfaction was related to satisfaction with the work of nursing homes and with the work of state institutions and politicians who directly affected their working conditions and recognition in society.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated already existing burnout syndromes of nursing homes healthcare workers in Slovenian rural areas. Job satisfaction proved to be a relevant predictor of burnout syndrome. A negative correlation was observed between job satisfaction in 2020 and emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment in 2013 and 2020. Keywords: job satisfaction, professional burnout, healthcare workers, nursing homes, COVID-19 pandemic Published in DKUM: 28.01.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 10
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10. Mistreatment by patients : an analysis of the patient-related social stressors among Slovenian healthcare workersTatjana Kozjek, Vanja Erčulj, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are often exposed to mistreatment by patients, which has negative effects on both staff and institutions. To take appropriate action to help HCWs in this context, patient-related social stressors (PSS) should be explored. The purpose of the research was to identify the most pronounced patient behaviour contributing to the social stress (SS) of HCWs, and compare PSS between different HCWs and different types of healthcare institutions.
Methods: 750 HCWs from Slovenian public health centres and hospitals participated in the online survey. Although the non-probability sampling was used, the sample was representative according to gender and HCW type (doctors, nurses and other HCWs).
Results: The results show that the most pronounced patient behaviour contributing to the SS of HCWs are attitudes and behaviour of patients that are challenging in terms of what is - from the HCWs' point of view - considered as acceptable and reasonable (disproportionate patient expectations), and unpleasant, humourless, and hostile patients. HCWs in primary institutions meet less verbally aggressive and unpleasant patients than in tertiary ones. Although among all HCWs less educated ones are more exposed to inappropriate behaviour, doctors are those HCWs who experience more inappropriate behaviour.
Conclusion: Managers should enable HCWs to get comprehensive patient service training, oriented towards improving relationship management and patient-HCW relationships. Keywords: healthcare workers, mistreatment, patients, social stressors Published in DKUM: 04.09.2024; Views: 59; Downloads: 6
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