Name and Surname: assoc. prof. Klemen Širok, PhD
Links: ARIS 28765, LINKEDIN
E-Mail: klemen.sirok@fvz.upr.si

Research facility (research activity location)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Primorska, Faculty of management (topic 1, topic 2)

Research field according to ARIS classification
Science: Social sciences
Field: Economics
Field: Administrative and organisational sciences

Summary of research topic and field

TOPIC 1:

Population aging represents one of the key challenges for Slovenia in the next 30 years. Due to the increase in the volume of work-related health problems of (older) employees, many initiatives and interventions to improve working conditions and create healthier jobs have been initiated in order to improve the health of (older) workers and consequently raise the elderly employment rate. The key question remains how to encourage participation and achieve an appropriate change in values and behaviours of target groups so that as a society we can successfully meet the challenges of work activity prolongation, sustained levels of health, well-being, and working ability.

This challenge enables several highly relevant research questions. For instance, the research of participation factors in workplace health promotion programs is weakly covered. Participation rates are generally very low and those who already take care of their health (deadweight effect) predominate among the participants. The interest of companies that face the most challenges in this area is usually the lowest. The research focus is also required regarding high drop-out rates among program participants. At what levels of social reality (individual, organization, or systemic level) does it make sense to focus the interventions of health and labour market policies aimed at ensuring the health of the working population in order to make them more effective? Alternative and/or complementary research areas pertain to work organizations or specific occupations (organization of work processes, HR practices, and interventions aimed at health promotion and protection) or individuals (management of psycho-social health factors).

TOPIC 2: 

The number of lost working days due to sick leave is growing alarmingly in Slovenia, and consequently, also the expenses for the payment of sickness benefits both for the employers and the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia. In 2015, the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia has spent 250 million on sickness benefits, in 2020 the number exceeded 400 million. A review of sick leave indicators also shows the deteriorating situation. The situation is particularly critical in the public sector, where the sick leave is generally significantly higher than in the private sector. The closer examination of sick leave indicators according to the standard classification of activities shows that the activities of public administration, defence and compulsory social security (O); education (P) and health and social care (Q) are central generators of sick leave. Despite the fact that the public sector has already received some projects related to active and healthy aging, these measures have not yet managed to address the key generators of absenteeism within the public sector or were ineffectively implemented.

The causes of temporary incapacity for work and the determinants of sick leave in the public sector are also identified in the sectoral ministries (health and work) as starting points for further interventions in the field of occupational health. At the same time, a number of research questions can be raised: (1) what are the key determinants of absenteeism in the public sector in Slovenia; (2) are we dealing with the emergence of new risks outside the work environment and lifestyle (e.g. absenteeism culture); (3) with which already known measures at the level of the individual, organization and system would have the potential to address the identified challenges (comparative perspective).

TOPIC 3 co-mentored by Assoc. Prof. Klemen Širok, Assoc. Prof. Matej Plevnik, Dr. Vojko Vučković: 

With the continuous growth of the sports industry, sport organisations are facing increasing challenges in areas such as strategic leadership, (digital) marketing, training, and the psychosocial aspects of managing sports organisations, teams, and athletes. Understanding these areas is crucial for improving decision-making, ensuring long-term success, and optimising the experience of sport organizations, athletes, stakeholders, and fans.

This broad field of research opens numerous opportunities for doctoral study. One of the key areas is sports leadership, with a focus on exploring how different leadership styles influence team performance, financial stability, and talent retention. Another underexplored topic is how leadership style, communication strategies, programme structure, and responsiveness to feedback from professionals impact the achievement of individualised goals (e.g. health, physical fitness, motivation, satisfaction, long-term engagement, regular participation).

Another promising research area is sports marketing and digital fan engagement, with emphasis on how new technologies, social media, and athlete personal branding affect audience loyalty and sponsorship value.

Additional research avenues include the study of change management, organisational culture, and other aspects of organisational behaviour within sports settings.

Research in these areas not only contributes to the scientific understanding of sports management but also opens pathways for doctoral candidates to pursue academic, business, or public sector careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.