Poland: Managing psychosocial risks in European micro and small enterprises - qualitative evidence from the Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER 2019)

This report presents the case of Poland in a qualitative follow-up study of the Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER 2019) on management of psychosocial risks in micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Findings indicate that MSEs in Poland are in the early stages of developing high awareness of and adequate mechanisms for preventing and addressing psychosocial risks. The country report addresses the findings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study shows that the main driver for managing health and safety at work among Polish MSEs is, to a large extent, the fear of inspections. There is relatively low awareness of psychosocial risks, also regarding legal obligations. Interviewed managers and workers in MSEs report limited actions specifically addressing procedures and mechanisms for psychosocial risk management.

Overall, the study highlights the need for an improved consideration of psychosocial wellbeing and a significant improvement in the management of psychosocial risks among MSEs in Poland.