Guideline: Occupational health management
For some years now, occupational health management (OHM) has become increasingly important. More and more companies are realising that healthy and motivated employees are an important factor for the company’s success. But what is occupational health management actually and how can it be implemented? This guide explains the most important aspects of occupational health management and shows how companies can set up effective occupational health management.
OHM Guidelines – Overview of Topics
What is occupational health management?
Occupational health management (OHM) encompasses all measures aimed at promoting the health and well-being of employees in a company. The aim of occupational health management is to design working conditions in such a way that employees remain healthy or, in the best case, even become healthy and are thus more productive. This includes not only the prevention of health problems, but also the support of employees in coping with illnesses or other health impairments and stresses.
The three-pillar model of occupational health management
Occupational health management (OHM) comprises three pillars: occupational health and safety, occupational integration management and workplace health promotion.
1. Occupational health and safety refers to the safety and health of employees in the workplace.
2. Workplace integration management aims to successfully return employees to work after a long period of illness.
3. Workplace health promotion aims to maintain and promote the health of employees by including measures for behavioural and situational prevention.
Read about this: Workplace health promotion – why it is important and how it can be implemented
Together, the three pillars of BGM form a holistic approach to promoting the health of employees and increasing the productivity and efficiency of the company.
Why do you need an occupational health management system?
Occupational health management is important because it helps to shape working conditions in such a way that employees remain healthy and motivated. Companies that establish an occupational health management system can benefit in the long run from lower employee turnover, higher work motivation and higher productivity. It can also help to reduce costs in the event of illness, as fewer employees are absent due to illness.
Why is OHM important?
The importance of occupational health management is growing, as demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers are forcing companies to take greater care of their staff. In order to retain employees in the long term, working conditions must be designed in such a way that they remain as healthy and motivated as possible. In times of a shortage of skilled workers and demographic change, it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to fill vacant (open) positions in the company. Studies have shown that employees see it as a sign of high esteem when an employer is concerned about the well-being of its employees. Therefore, occupational health management contributes to the promotion of a positive corporate image, employer attractiveness and the recruitment of new workers..
What do you have to pay attention to when introducing an OHM?
There are several points to consider when introducing an OHM. First of all, the goals of BGM should be clearly defined. What measures are to be implemented and what goals are to be achieved? It is also important that employees are involved in the planning and implementation of BGM. This is the only way to ensure that the measures are tailored to the needs of the employees and are also implemented in the long term. In addition, regular evaluation of the OHM should be carried out to ensure that the measures are actually effective.
What are the difficulties in introducing an occupational health management system??
The introduction of an OHM programme can bring challenges. One of the biggest challenges is to convince management and employees of the importance of the BGM programme. Training and workshops, for example, can help to raise awareness of the need for health management in the company.
Another challenge is the implementation of the measures. It can be difficult to tailor the health management programme to the needs and wishes of the employees while keeping an eye on the company’s financial and time resources. Good communication between management, employees and external service providers can help make the implementation of the BGM programme more effective and efficient
At the beginning of the introduction, however, a BGM concept should always be drawn up.
In this article we show you in 4 simple steps how to create your own BGM concept..
What funding can companies use to set up an occupational health management system?
There are various funding opportunities for companies that want to establish an occupational health management system. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, for example, offers the funding programme “INQA Check: Health”. This is a free consultation by independent experts who support companies in planning and implementing an occupational health management programme. The health insurance funds also usually offer support for the introduction of a BGM programme, for example through advisory services or financial support.
How do the health insurance funds contribute to the development of occupational health management?
Health insurance funds play an important role in the establishment of a health management system. Many health insurance funds offer special occupational health management programmes that support companies, especially SMEs, in introducing occupational health management. This includes, for example, company consultations and training for employees and managers, but also financial support for the implementation of measures. In addition, many health insurance funds offer special prevention programmes that are tailored to the needs of companies. Overall, health insurance funds can make an important contribution to helping companies establish a successful WHM programme and implement it in the long term.
What is the legal framework for the introduction of occupational health management?
There are various legal framework conditions for the implementation of occupational health management (OHM). Our Occupational Health and Safety Act obliges employers to ensure the safety and health of employees, for which occupational health management is an important instrument. The Prevention Act encourages companies to take preventive measures and offers financial support through the statutory health insurance. The Berufsgenossenschaften offer support in implementing measures to promote health and safety at work. Ultimately, companies in Germany are legally obliged to take measures to ensure the safety and health of employees, with BGM playing an important role and being supported by various framework conditions.
How can effective occupational health management be established in the company?
The introduction of occupational health management (OHM) can be a complex process, but one that can lead to increased employee health and productivity in the long term. The following steps serve as a guideline for the introduction of occupational health management:
1. Analysis of the current situation: Before measures can be introduced, an analysis of the current situation must be carried out. Factors such as workload, work organisation, management style and working atmosphere can be examined.
2. Definition of goals: After the analysis, clear goals should be defined that the company wants to achieve with BGM. These goals should be realistic and measurable.
3. Involving employees: Employees should be involved in the process in order to take their needs and concerns into account. For example, employee surveys or workshops can be used for this purpose.
4. Selection of measures: Based on the analysis and the defined goals, suitable measures can be selected. These can range from health checks and health courses to measures to improve the working atmosphere.
5. Implementation of the measures: After the selection, the measures should be implemented consistently. It is important that employees are informed about the measures and involved in their implementation.
6. Evaluation: After a certain period of time, the measures should be evaluated to check whether the defined goals have been achieved. Again, staff surveys or health checks can be used for this purpose.
7. Continuous improvement: The OHM should be continuously developed and improved. Feedback from employees and a regular review of the goals and measures can help.