Psychosocial Context of OSH-Remote Work of Academic Teachers in the Perspective of Sustainable Development.

The purpose of the research paper is to analyse the factors affecting remote work in terms of the selected socio-economic criteria and to determine which elements contribute the most to the development of sustainable work. In addition, the study describes the issues of remote education at the academic level and the challenges faced by academic teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The whole is embedded in the issues of occupational health and safety, with particular emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of the occupational safety of academic teachers in Poland. In the research process, the TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis tool (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) was used, as well as AHP (analytical hierarchy process), as an auxiliary method. The use of these methods made it possible to select the most important variable and to determine the ranking of factors affecting the analysed problem. Findings: According to the conducted research, the most important factor affecting the safety of remote work-in relation to the selected sustainability criteria-is overwork/workload. An equally important element was stress during remote work, as well as the organization of time, with consideration to the balance between work and home duties. The research has shown that the selected aspects of remote work can have a significant impact on the achievement of sustainable development goals by a given organization, and in relation to individuals, on the quality of life and the sense of safety and health at work.

Identification of Key Psychosocial Safety Factors when Working Remotely: A Three-Step Research Methodology Proposal

Purpose: This article attempts to identify the factors influencing remote work and to investigate which of these factors are the most important from the perspective of employees' psychosocial safety. All research was set in the context of a crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim of the study is to present the research methodology that considers the proprietary three-stage research procedure. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research presented in the article was conducted at a university in Poland. Research methods characteristic of the social sciences were used, including analytical methods and a diagnostic survey. As a research tool, questionnaire forms consisting of questions about the impact of remote work on the psychosocial safety of respondents were used. In addition, the research used the MICMAC program, with the help of which the relationships between selected factors were analyzed. Findings: The most important factors from the perspective of psychosocial safety of employees participating in the study are workload, organization of time between work and household chores, work outside of designated hours, time pressure, professional communication with colleagues, stress, technical supplies, and a sense of independence. The obtained results are only an example and illustrate the adopted research procedure. The research methodology presented in three steps is the achievement of the study. Practical Implications: The presented research results indicate on which aspects of the organization of professional tasks the analyzed organization should focus on to provide its employees with the highest possible level of psychosocial safety in remote work conditions. Purposeful and targeted activities in this area allow the organization to reduce the negative consequences of psychosocial occupational hazards (such as e.g., employee absenteeism), and the available research results show a positive impact of such activities on work efficiency and on shaping a positive and resilient organizational culture. Originality/Value: This research changes the commonly functioning approach to the perception of threats while working remotely only in terms of ergonomic, economic, and legal conditions. In the opinion of the authors, the methodology of identifying the key factors of psychosocial safety during remote work is universal and can be used in any organization and in any conditions, although it is especially dedicated to crisis situations that generate additional tension.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Motivation of Production Workers: Experiences of Polish Family Businesses

Purpose: The article's main aim is to evaluate and analyze effective factors that motivate employees of family businesses in the industrial processing sector to work. Design/Approach/Methodology: The research results presented in the study were carried out in Poland. The research tool was a self-questionnaire containing socio-demographic questions and statements regarding opinions about the workplace and factors motivating to work. The survey research was preceded by a series of in-depth, unstructured expert interviews. The questionnaire was developed using the Delphi method. Findings: Employees of family production companies are to the greatest extent motivated by non-material motivation factors, the certainty of receiving remuneration on time, no mobbing and no discrimination, and job security. Among the material factors, the respondents are most motivated by non-monetary factors, participation in training and holiday vouchers, and monetary factors: salary increase and receiving cash prizes. The results of this survey provide important information for owners and managers of family businesses and researchers interested in the topic of employee motivation. They refute the previous (and usually stereotypical) approaches to motivating, according to which Polish companies' employees positively assess only material motivation factors. Practical Implications: The results can be used to build effective incentive systems in manufacturing family businesses. The achieved results may turn out to be particularly important for companies in crises (such as, for example, the global COVID-19 epidemic), during which the business continuity is disturbed and limited financial liquidity results in the inability to use material motivating factors. Originality/Value: The research provides practical answers to encourage further research and summary research globally about the family business.