Promoting digital health literacy - why it is so important in occupational health management

The ability to find, understand, critically evaluate and apply health-related information in everyday life - that is Health literacy. In workplace health promotion, it is a crucial success factor. Only when employees are in a position to actively utilise health services and take responsibility for their own well-being can OHM measures be fully effective.

However, the reality shows that there is an enormous need for action. According to the current study on the health literacy of the population in Germany (HLS-GER 2) 58,8 % of respondents had a Low health literacy. Particularly affected are people with low level of education (78.3 %), low social status (71.9 %), Migration background (63.1 %) and Young adults (18-29 years: 60.7 %) - This also includes many target groups in the business environment.

According to the study, respondents find it most difficult to evaluate health information (74.9 % low competence) and to use it (53.7 %). Digital health literacy is particularly low - three quarters of the population have difficulties dealing with digital health information.

This means: Many employees feel overwhelmed when it comes to digital tools or apps for health promotion - a major obstacle in an increasingly digitalised world of work.

What does this mean for the BGM?

If companies want to use apps, online training or digital tools to reduce stress or promote resilience, they need to not only technical solutions, but also targeted measures to promote digital health literacy. Only in this way can these offers have a truly sustainable effect.

Practical example: Isa - the personal AI health coach.
An interactive digital tool such as the "Isa Health Coach" can help to identify stress at an early stage and provide employees with targeted impulses for recovery and self-regulation - for example through micro-breaks, breathing exercises or personalised recommendations. However, in order for such a tool to be used, it needs introductory aids, low-threshold access and targeted promotion of health expertise - e.g. through accompanying training, tutorials or integration into team meetings.

Examples of improving health literacy in the company

• Health days with digital learning stations to promote health literacy (e.g. "How do I recognise reputable health information online?")
• Training courses or short interactive e-learning sessionsthat make it easier for employees to use health apps confidently
• Use of storytelling and experience reports on the intranet to reduce reservations about digital tools
• Multipliers in the companywho provide support with questions about digital health offerings (e.g. OHM tandems consisting of a specialist + colleague)
• Interactive health training in Lunch & Learn formats:
  Short, practical sessions on topics such as "How can I find reliable health information online?", "Apps for better sleep and less stress" or "What to do in case of digital overload?"
• Induction days for new employees focussing on BGM offerings:
  Shows right at the start which digital health services are available, how they work and where you can get support if you have any questions.
• QR code stickers in the company:
  QR codes placed in high-visibility locations (e.g. mirror, coffee machine, break room) lead directly to health impulses, e.g. a short mobilisation exercise or a stress audio.
• Digital self-checks and knowledge quizzes on the intranet:
  Interactive tools that employees can use to playfully reflect on their stress competence, sleep quality or exercise habits - ideal for getting started with app-based programmes.
• "Digital health driving licence" for employees:
  A short, modular course (e.g. 4 x 15 minutes) that shows how to select apps, clarify data protection issues, recognise warning signs of disinformation and use digital tools sensibly.
• Making mental health visible - through stories and testimonials:
  Employees talk on the intranet or on screens in the office about how they use an app (e.g. ISA, 7Mind or Nilo.Health) in their everyday lives to reduce stress or strengthen their resilience.
• Team challenges with app support:
  Z.For example, a 4-week resilience challenge with daily mini impulses via the app and weekly reflection rounds in the team meeting - not only strengthens health competence, but also team cohesion.
• Explanatory videos or micro-learnings:
  Short clips or animated videos that show how certain apps work, what you should look out for and how they can specifically help (e.g. for better sleep, more exercise, less stress).
• "Digital Health Lunchbox" on the intranet:
  A collection of reliable apps, podcasts, articles and videos - curated by the BGM team - as an internal recommendation hub to strengthen health literacy.

Conclusion: Digital health literacy is more than knowledge - it is a key to effective OHM

Health literacy has a direct impact on the behaviour and health of employees - according to the study, low health literacy is associated with more absences, unhealthier diet, less movement and one more frequent use of the healthcare system. In the corporate context, this means that investing in the promotion of (digital) health literacy not only strengthens the health of employees, but also the effectiveness and sustainability of all OHM measures.

Sources of the studies:
Schaeffer, D. et al (2021): Health literacy of the population in Germany - before and during the corona pandemic: Results of the HLS-GER 2. Bielefeld: Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Literacy Research (IZGK), Bielefeld University. DOI: 10.4119/unibi/2950305