UPDATE: A critical workshop on workplace health and safety, focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), was held today at Plantaze AD in Montenegro. Organized as part of the 2025 Action Plan and the 2022-2027 Strategy for improving workplace health, this urgent meeting addressed the pressing challenges that modern employees face.
Officials from the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue and the Trade Union of Montenegro (SSCG) led the session, underscoring the necessity for proactive education on contemporary health and safety topics. The workshop, titled “Workplace Education – AI in the Context of Health and Safety and Work-Life Balance,” aimed to enhance employees’ awareness of their rights and the risks associated with AI and digital tools in their work environments.
The session particularly emphasized the growing issues of mental health, chronic stress, and the burnout syndrome, which are becoming increasingly prevalent due to the relentless integration of AI technologies. This trend is blurring the lines between personal and professional life, escalating the risk of employee exhaustion and health deterioration.
Vladimir Krsmanovic, coordinator from SSCG, highlighted the workshop’s crucial message: social dialogue is essential for mitigating the adverse effects of algorithmic management. He called for clear guidelines on data collection and usage to protect workers’ privacy and prevent excessive surveillance.
“Mental health is not solely an individual concern; it is a prerequisite for a healthy organization and society,” stressed Danka Cetkovic, a psychologist and HR consultant. She addressed the dual nature of AI in workplaces, presenting both potentials and threats to employee well-being and work-life harmony.
Participants engaged in a two-way communication process, allowing them to voice their needs and perceptions regarding workplace safety. This interactive approach aims to foster a supportive environment where employees feel empowered to discuss their challenges openly.
As organizations increasingly adopt digital technologies, the workshop has sparked urgent discussions about implementing additional elements of collective bargaining to safeguard employees’ health and well-being. The focus on less visible aspects of workplace safety, especially regarding mental health, marks a significant shift in how health is viewed in modern work settings.
The workshop is just the beginning of a series of educational initiatives aimed at arming workers with the necessary tools to navigate the evolving landscape of workplace health and safety in the age of AI.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue as more workshops are planned to address these pressing concerns.
