Occupational safety compliance and workforce stability in women-owned businesses in China

Occupational safety compliance is essential for ensuring workforce stability, particularly in women-owned businesses, which play an increasing role in China's economy. Despite comprehensive regulatory frameworks, challenges such as inconsistent enforcement and varying compliance levels persist. This study examines the relationship between occupational safety compliance and workforce stability in women-owned businesses in China. Utilising World Bank survey data from 598 employees, the study employs descriptive statistics and logistic regression to analyse the impact of safety inspections on employee retention. Workforce stability is measured through hiring trends over five years, while key variables include adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards during inspections. Findings reveal that businesses with robust safety compliance experience higher retention rates, while industries such as hospitality report the lowest retention intentions. The results highlight that stringent occupational safety enforcement and proactive safety management enhance employee well-being, reduce workplace risks, and strengthen organisational reputation. This research underscores the importance of fostering a culture of safety compliance to promote stability and growth in women-led enterprises across China.