Workplace Health Promotion through Occupational Health Management. In Small- and Medium-Sized Companies (PDF)

Academic Paper in the subject Leadership and Human Resources - Miscellaneous, , language: English, abstract: The central research topic of this paper is to present these causal relationships, interactions and the role model function of corporate management, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises. A paradigmatic application case is ergonomic workplace design and company integration management. For empirical validation, guideline-based expert interviews were conducted as part of a pilot study.

The evaluation according to Mayring of the general aspects, workplace health promotion and workplace health management in the surveyed companies or small and medium-sized enterprises revealed the following: The vast majority (six out of eight) of the interviewed companies have already established workplace health management and workplace health promotion. Corresponding background knowledge is available, and the instruments developed for this purpose are consciously used to increase (external and internal) employer attractiveness, to promote employee retention and commitment.

Occupational health management and workplace health promotion can counteract a negative trend in individual sectors and facilitate staff recruitment. It also reduces absenteeism and improves company performance indicators. The involvement of the primarily responsible management and organisational anchoring in the company are named as decisive prerequisites for success. Modern forms of work organisation (remote work and home office) also play a special role. The workforce reacts predominantly with approval, especially since today's labour market is an employee market.

The modern economic and working world is dominated by two megatrends: globalisation and digitalisation. Companies have to do everything they can to survive economically in a competitive situation that has become more intense as a result. The work situation is therefore becoming increasingly complex and stressful. This leads to increased mental and physical strain on employees, is the cause of their dissatisfaction and promotes absenteeism and presenteeism.

A growing shortage of skilled workers and demographic change also ensure that the demand for workplace health promotion and comprehensive corporate health management is gaining ground. Health and satisfaction at the workplace ensure motivation and commitment, increase company results and value even in times of crisis and have an indirect effect on public health.