Occupational vulnerability profiles in the Polish workforce: a narrative review of AVEM-based research

The inventory Work-related Coping Behavior and Experience Patterns (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster - AVEM) serves as a valuable preventive tool for the early identification of individuals at risk of burnout and occupational health issues by evaluating their work-related patterns, which may be either health-promoting or indicative of increased health risk. The aim of this narrative review was to map and synthesize research on AVEM conducted in Poland across occupational groups. A structured search of selected databases and search engines was performed, resulting in the identification of 29 sources whose findings were synthesized and compared with international evidence. The results showed that the overall proportion of Polish participants assigned to risk patterns was significantly higher than in the international context, particularly among teaching and healthcare professionals, indicating greater vulnerability to burnout and occupational health issues in these occupations. Beyond people-centered professions, women, older workers, individuals with an additional job, those living in smaller towns and villages, and those experiencing mobbing also emerged as highly vulnerable groups. These individuals also tended to be extrinsically motivated and exhibited higher levels of neuroticism, elevated stress, and poorer mental and physical health. In contrast, having a hobby and a better perceived material standing were mainly associated with healthy patterns. Individuals assigned to healthy patterns tended to be intrinsically motivated and reported higher job satisfaction, greater levels of fluid and emotional intelligence, and more adaptive personality traits. There is a clear need for targeted workplace interventions across professions in Poland to address the heightened risk of occupational health issues. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):434-56.