The aim of the report was to obtain an in-depth picture of the knowledge of relevant stakeholders of how work-related crime affects the work environment and the health and wellbeing of employees, and of interventions to prevent, reduce or impede work-related crime, thus strengthening the work environment and systematic work environment management.
Lack of Consensus on the Concept of Work-Related Crime
The study shows that the concept of work-related crime, as developed by the Delegation Against Work-Related Crime, is well-established among trade unions, government agencies, and, to some extent, industry and employer organisations. Most trade unions and government agencies base their internal and external work on the Delegation’s definition of the term.
However, the concept is also contested. Industry and employer organisations are generally more hesitant to use the term, arguing that it can be misleading, particularly since some practices that fall under the definition are not legally punishable.
Work-Related Crime Can Lead to Work Environment Deficiencies
The findings from the Agency’s study reveal that participants perceive work-related crime as contributing to a deteriorated work environment. They argue that work-related crime can result in deficiencies in the physical, organisational, and social work environment. This often occurs because operators bypass work environment regulations to cut costs and maximise profits.
Certain Groups Are More Affected
Certain groups, particularly individuals with a foreign background, are at higher risk of being subjected to work-related crime. This is often due to their dependency on employers and lack of knowledge about their rights and obligations as workers. These groups include asylum seekers, regular and irregular migrant workers, and vulnerable EU/EEA citizens. Young people are also at an elevated risk of being affected by work-related crime.
Challenges in Studying the Link
There are several challenges in studying the link between work-related crime and the work environment. These include the covert nature of work-related crime and the fact that work-related injuries are often undocumented in such operations. The interviewees highlight the lack of relevant statistics that could enable tracking work-related crime across different areas.
Strategic and Operational Efforts Against Work-Related Crime
The organisations involved in the study engage in both strategic and operational efforts to combat work-related crime. As part of inter-agency collaboration, strategic initiatives are underway to build structures and forums for national and regional dialogue and cooperation. This includes establishing a shared knowledge base and methods to combat fraud, rule violations, and criminal activities in the workplace. However, targeted interventions are rarely followed up or evaluated, making it difficult to identify effective measures to combat work-related crime.