Health management
The burdens of workers in the workplace are increasing, both physically and psychologically. A lot is demanded from workers: mobility, flexibility and lifelong learning. New technologies lead to the feeling of constant accessibility and availability. The pressure is steadily increasing. Often the boundaries between work and private life are blurred.
The result is an increased number of sick days. The resulting absenteeism of employees increasingly leads to a rethinking of employers. The topic of occupational health management is becoming more and more central. The health and well-being of workers should be promoted. The work environment, the work equipment, working hours and work organisation play an important role. Increasingly, the living situation of the employees is also considered in order to achieve a good work-life balance.
Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, the following topics provide to get you started:
- Dealing with stress – relaxation courses
- Physical stress – back fitness
- Healthy diet – nutrition
- Smoke-free in operation – courses for tobacco cessation
The topic of health management can be introduced, for example, in team meetings to sensitize all staff and to gather ideas. What matters is how well the issues fit into the company and with the living situation of the employees. Focusing on initially a topic can help.
Lack of knowledge on occupational health promotion can be a hurdle for smaller companies. There are possibilities for the implementation, as well as advice by health insurance companies. There are contact around the subject. It also supports the health of the employees tax since January 1, 2008. Per year can invest payroll tax a company per employee up to 500 € for measures of health promotion. For the measures, there are certain requirements that can be viewed on the Internet site of the Federal Ministry of health. These include physical exercise programs, stress management and diet offers.
The benefits of good health management:
- Improving health in General
- Ensuring of performance of employees
- Increase the motivation and increasing identification with the company
- Increase productivity and quality
- Better perception of the company
Questions and answers
Make such measures also in small business sense?
No matter what measures they take, even for a few employees, maintaining health is important. Certain measures may not be limited to your business, so they can be done together with other companies, such as sporting activities.
Why make measures to maintain healthy mind?
In addition to the obvious effect of health maintenance and disease prevention you show your employees with such measures, that they are important to you as a human being. This leads to more corporate loyalty and identification with the company.
How can I motivate my employees to do this?
Most employees are take by themselves the measures offered. You have also the possibility to provide incentives, such as through measures during working hours but as a company.
Checklist
Document
Tips for businesses - Federal Ministry of health
Comprehensive brochure about advantages, opportunities, and examples
Federal Ministry of health
Helpful Links
Federal Ministry of Health - Tax benefits
Nationwide valid measures and tax benefits
Federal Ministry of Health – General
Prevention as an important health management measure for companies
