Which element is crucial in preserving confidentiality in workplace studies?

Preserving confidentiality in workplace studies is critically dependent on implementing adequate safeguards during data management. This involves using secure methods for storing data, encrypting sensitive information, and ensuring that data processing is done in a manner that prevents unauthorized access. Such safeguards help protect participants' identities and personal information from being disclosed, thereby maintaining trust and compliance with ethical standards in research.

In contrast, retaining personal identifiers in analysis would compromise confidentiality by allowing for the possibility of linking data back to individual participants. Disclosing study findings in personnel records would also break confidentiality, as it could lead to identifiable information being accessible. While limiting access to only investigators can contribute to protecting data, it is the comprehensive implementation of safeguards throughout the data management process that provides the most robust protection for participant confidentiality.