Published on 31 May 2023
Occupational health
Productivity and performance
Healthy employees are happier and, as a result, more productive. When employees are physically and mentally well, they are able to work efficiently and reach their full potential – which ultimately benefits both the employee and the company.According to a Harvard University study, investments in occupational health management (OHM) result in an average increase in productivity of 11 per cent per employee.
Working environment and employee retention
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work estimates that about half of all days off work are due to stress-related illnesses.. Consequently, targeted measures to reduce stress and other health risk factors can also cut down sick leave.
And in the long term, promoting employee health contributes to a positive working environment, strengthening employees’ sense of loyalty to the company. Because employees who feel good physically and mentally also stay at a company longer. So well-established OHM can strengthen employee loyalty and reduce staff fluctuations.
Image and attractiveness as an employer
Last but not least, companies that take care of their employees’ health are seen as attractive employers. This increases the chances of attracting and retaining highly qualified professionals. Especially when there is a shortage of skilled workers, employee health can become a key competitive advantage and strengthen a company’s image in the long term.What measures can companies take?
Investing in employee health pays off in the long term. But what specific measures can companies take to promote employee health?Occupational health management (OHM)
The first step is implementing holistic workplace health management. This allows companies to plan out health-promoting measures in concrete terms and also to implement them consistently. As an example, OHM can include regular health checks, ergonomic workplace design (such as height-adjustable desks), sports activities and stress management programmes.Flexible working hours
Introducing flexible working hours, like flexitime or working from home, allows employees to better balance work with their individual needs and commitments. Employees who sit at a desk for eight hours a day, focussed only on work, need to clear their heads in between and do something good for their backs.Home offices and flexible working hours mean that it is more likely that employees are able to go on a run, bike ride or do another type of physical activity. Then they can continue working – liberated and concentrated.
Employees who have children can make better arrangements for family life with flexible working hours, making it easier to manage family life and work. In the long term, this reduces stress and improves their work-life balance.
Health-promoting offerings
Employees attach great importance to a good range of benefits. Why not offer a company yoga class once a week or organise regular bike tours? This not only helps to reduce stress, but also promotes a feeling of togetherness. Discounted gym memberships are also a popular benefit.In addition, protection against electrosmog is becoming an essential part of workplace health promotion in an increasing number of companies. With digitalisation, the exposure to electromagnetic radiation (electrosmog) has increased immensely, especially in companies – whether in administration, production or management. In the long run, this can be demonstrably detrimental to mental and physical health.
More about the effects of electrosmog
DThat’s why more than 1,000 companies use the memon technology as an important measure to promote employee health.
What our customers have to say
Going beyond all these measures, it is important to regularly inform employees about health issues and raise their awareness of the importance of their own health. Training, information events and internal communication channels can be used for this purpose.
Conclusion: employee health is a key factor for the success of a company. By taking measures to promote employee health, companies can increase productivity, improve the working environment and position themselves as an attractive employer. Companies can sustainably promote the health and well-being of their employees through occupational health management, flexible working hours, health-promoting offerings and targeted communication.
What entrepreneurs, athletes and doctors have to say about memon