URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking workshop on the intersection of artificial intelligence and workplace health was held today at Plantaze AD in Montenegro. This event marks the first in a series of educational sessions aimed at addressing modern workplace challenges, following the 2025 Action Plan and the 2022-2027 Strategy for improving occupational health and safety.
The workshop, titled “Workplace Education – AI in the Context of Occupational Health and Work-Life Balance,” was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue in partnership with the Trade Union Confederation of Montenegro (SSCG). It seeks to proactively engage employees in discussions about pressing topics in occupational health and safety.
Participants learned about the growing concerns surrounding mental health, chronic stress, and burnout syndrome. These issues, exacerbated by the increasing reliance on digital tools and AI, blur the lines between professional and personal life, raising the risk of employee exhaustion and health deterioration.
“Social dialogue is a crucial mechanism to mitigate the negative effects of algorithmic management, protect health and safety, and prevent discrimination,”
stated a representative from the SSCG during the workshop. Emphasizing the need for clear standards in data collection and use, this initiative aims to limit excessive employee surveillance while ensuring respect for privacy.
Psychologist and HR consultant Danka Cetkovic led a session addressing the dual role of AI in the workplace, asking, “Is artificial intelligence a friend or foe to health and work-life balance?” She highlighted both the potential benefits and risks AI poses in today’s work environments.
Vladimir Krsmanovic, coordinator from the SSCG, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the necessity for additional elements of collective bargaining in light of the growing application of digital technologies. He stressed that without safeguarding mental health, sustainable productivity and quality services cannot be achieved.
This timely workshop comes at a moment when workplace dynamics are rapidly changing, making it critical for organizations to adapt and prioritize the mental well-being of their employees. As digital tools continue to evolve, the focus on health and safety in the workplace becomes increasingly urgent.
For those invested in workplace health, the next steps include ongoing training sessions and discussions aimed at implementing these findings into policy reforms. Stay tuned for further updates on this vital initiative as it develops.
