Suchergebnisse

Posljednjih godina zemlje Zapadnog Balkana suočavaju se s egzodusom radne snage, što je složen socijalni problem. S obzirom da se većina zaposlenika bavi uslužnom djelatnošću, a posebno maloprodajnim sektorom, gdje radi oko 10% radno sposobnog stanovništva, potrebno je definirati pokazatelje koji otežavaju dobrobit zaposlenika i predložiti skup mjera za njihovo smanjivanje. S tim u vezi, cilj rada je identificiranje varijabli koje utječu na dobrobit zaposlenika u maloprodajnom sektoru Zapadnog Balkana, s posebnim naglaskom na razlike između malih i srednjih poduzeća i maloprodajnih lanaca. Empirijska studija provedena je na uzorku od 325 zaposlenika u trgovačkim poduzećima. Ispitana je povezanost između varijabli dobrobiti zaposlenika i socijalno-organizacijskih varijabli kao što su zadovoljstvo poslom, iznos mjesečne zarade, radno okruženje, mogućnost napredovanja, socijalna podrška, upotreba moderne tehnologije, poslovna kultura, rotacija posla i sigurnost posla. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su značajnu povezanost socijalno-organizacijskih varijabli s dobrobiti zaposlenika. Razlike su posebno naglašene između malih i srednjih poduzeća i maloprodajnih lanaca. Na temelju dobivenih rezultata predložen je niz mjera i postupaka koje relevantne institucije i tvorci politike zapošljavanja moraju poduzeti kako bi se neutralizirale različitosti. U radu su izneseni prijedlozi budućih istraživanja. ; In recent years the countries of the Western Balkans region have been facing an exodus of labour, which represents a complex social problem. Given the fact that the largest number of employees is engaged in the service industry, especially in the retail sector where 10% of all working population is employed, it is necessary to define the indicators which impede employee welfare and to recommend a set of measures for their minimization. In this regard, this paper aims to identify variables which impact employee welfare in the retail sector of the Western Balkans with a particular retrospect to the differences between SMEs and retail chains. Empirical research has been conducted on a sample of 325 employees of retail companies. Correlation between employee welfare and socio-organizational variables, such as job contentment, social support, monthly salary, work environment, promotion opportunity, the use of modern technology, business culture, job rotation and job security have been tested. The results of the research have shown a significant correlation between socio-organizational variables and employee welfare. Differences are especially prominent between SMEs and retail chains. Based on the obtained results, a set of measures and procedures which competent institutions and employment policymakers should undertake to neutralize those differences has been proposed. Suggestions for future research are provided.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the patterns of employees' behaviour, especially in the retail sector, which requires continuous contact with consumers. The anti-pandemic measures based on physical distance, wearing medical and protective equipment, application of barriers, frequent disinfection of work surfaces and space, use of strict protocols, and safety standards significantly complicate working conditions. This paper aims to analyse and define incentives for upgrading work and working conditions in retail during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientific importance of the paper is reflected in the fact that analytically and systematically, it defines incentives that will support the behaviour of employees during crises affecting the retail sector. Unlike existing research in trade and retail, which indicated the importance of individual incentives for improving working conditions in periods of crisis, the contribution of this paper is in the comprehensive analysis, systematization, and definition of the importance of all incentives for improving the working conditions of employees in the retail sector. In this context, empirical research was conducted on a sample of 255 employees and it tested the importance of incentives to improve working conditions such as: maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, how to treat infected workers and workers in contact, the existence of detailed instructions for employees and consumers, organizing transportation for workers, financial incentives for employees, reduction of the scope of business activities, shortening of working hours of facilities, security protocols and digitalization of work processes. The survey was conducted among employees in SMEs and large retail chains. The set hypotheses were tested using the Path Analysis or Structural Modeling (SEM) method. The correlation between the retailer size and the differences in the incentives' impact was assessed by employing Multiple Regression Analysis. The research results showed significant deviations in the mentioned incentives depending on the size of the retailer. Based on the obtained results, a set of measures was proposed that social policymakers and retail facility management should implement to improve working conditions in retail and establish a social safety net that will support employees in times of crisis. Guidelines for future research are provided in the paper. Keywords: working conditions, work incentives, position of workers, retailing, COVID-19 pandemic.