Personal Safety in the Management of Contemporary Organisations
Purpose: The aim of this article is to show the impact of personal safety on the management of contemporary organisations. It is essential to understand what modern strategies and good practice could help to improve staff safety in organisations, and how to cope with new threats connected with work in a changing working environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: The personal safety of employees is a key element in managing organisations, and managing it effectively requires the use of innovative technologies, psychological support and the promotion of a positive organisational culture. The research problem was formulated as follows: Which innovative strategies and practices in the field of protecting personal safety are effective in the management of organisations, particularly in the face of the new threats such as cyberthreats, professional stress, professional burnout and changes in forms of employment? A research hypothesis was formulated in relation to the research problem, which assumes that modern technologies, psychological support programmes and an organisational culture based on inclusivity and trust significantly improve the personal safety of employees in organisations, particularly in the face of new challenges connected with remote working and changing forms of employment. The article applies theoretical methods such as an analysis of the literature on the topic, and a review of reports and research concerning personal safety. It also focuses on areas such as management, workplace psychology and modern technologies which support safety. Findings: The studies involved the authors defining the main problems connected with demonstrating the impact of personal safety on the management of a contemporary organisation. Firstly, the integration of technology as an element ensuring personal safety in organisations is of vital importance. This enables monitoring, the detection of threats and immediate steps aimed at protecting the health and lives of employees. Next, the increasing relevance of mental health is important, particularly countering professional burnout and alleviating stress. It is also important to promote an organisational culture based on inclusivity, trust and open dialogue. Employees who feel respected and supported are more engaged with and loyal to the organisation. The final factor is adaptation to remote working, since changes connected with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity for organisations to adapt to new forms of work, such as WFH and flexible forms of employment. Organisations must provide the appropriate tools and support to meet these challenges. Practical Implications: The aspects of personal safety mentioned in the article and their impact on the management of a contemporary organisation may be useful in identifying threats, creating innovative strategies and indicating good practices in the field of employee protection. The first part shows the importance of personal safety in an organisational context, indicating that it is vital not only for employees’ health, but also for the efficiency and success of the organisation. The second part concentrates on contemporary threats such as cyberthreats, professional stress and burnout, as well as challenges involved in remote working and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception of personal safety. The final part of the article presents innovative safety protection strategies, such as implementing modern technologies, psychological support programmes and the development of an organisational culture based on trust and inclusivity. Originality/Value: The authors present questions connected with the personal safety of employees in the management of organisations. This safety covers physical and mental as well as social protection, forming a basis to build stable and effective teams. The complexity of problems such as cyberthreats, professional stress, remote work and diversity of teams requires management strategies to be adapted to dynamic changes. Studies on these aspects may provide crucial information for creating more complex and effective strategies for personal safety management in organisations in future.