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.
Table of Contents
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
3. METHOLOGY
4. RESULTS
5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY
7. About the authors
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to analyze the causal relationships between workplace health promotion (WHP) and occupational health management (OHM) and their impact on work motivation, absenteeism, and public health, with a specific focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- The role of corporate management in establishing health-oriented workplace cultures.
- Empirical evaluation of health management practices in SMEs through expert interviews and quantitative surveys.
- The impact of health management on employee retention, commitment, and motivation.
- Strategies for managing occupational health during periods of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Economic and social relevance of promoting workplace health for both companies and public health systems.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
Today's working world has been characterized for many years by the two megatrends of digitalization and globalization. This has led to an intensification of competition worldwide and has also increased the pressure in companies. As a result, the environment in which companies and their employees must operate is becoming increasingly complex and stressful (Barauth & Ward 2014).
Work has to be done in ever shorter time. If companies want to survive in the market, they not only have to live with the changing conditions, but also actively adapt to them (Petzold & Gathmann 2021) and cope with them. Other aspects increase the stress situation: demographic change with ever older employees and ever fewer junior staff (shortage of skilled workers) as well as increasing working lives and the labor market situation, especially in times of crisis (Corona pandemic and Russian war of aggression against Ukraine). Added to this is the fear for the existence of the company or for one's own job. Taken together, these factors lead to severe psychological and physical stress on staff.
However, it is the people, the employees, who are decisive for the company's success. They are the main contributors to the company's success through their energy, drive, imagination and innovations (Gawke et al. 2019).
Summary of Chapters
ABSTRACT: Provides an overview of the megatrends impacting the modern workplace and introduces the research focus on workplace health management in SMEs.
INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Frames the current economic landscape and the resulting increase in psychological and physical stress on employees.
METHOLOGY: Outlines the dual research approach, utilizing guided expert interviews and a quantitative online survey to validate hypotheses.
RESULTS: Presents the findings regarding the causal links between workplace health initiatives and employee outcomes, confirming most initial hypotheses.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Summarizes the key insights and provides actionable advice for management and policy makers to support health initiatives in companies.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Lists the academic sources used to support the research findings.
About the authors: Presents the academic background and research interests of the authors.
Keywords
Workplace health management, Workplace health promotion, Commitment, Employee retention, Workplace integration management, Positive impact on company results, SME, Work motivation, Absenteeism, Public health, Digitalization, Globalization, Stress, Employee effectiveness, Corporate culture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research?
The work examines the implementation and influence of workplace health promotion (WHP) and occupational health management (OHM) on employees and organizational success in small and medium-sized enterprises.
What are the central thematic areas?
The study centers on work motivation, the reduction of absenteeism, the role of leadership, and the economic benefits of fostering a health-conscious corporate environment.
What is the primary research question?
The research asks what influence the implementation of workplace health promotion or occupational health management in SMEs has on work motivation, absenteeism, and public health.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The authors used a mixed-methods approach, combining guided expert interviews with HR managers and a quantitative online survey with 183 participants.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main sections cover the background of current workplace stressors, the definitions and terminology of health management, the empirical methodology, the study results, and practical recommendations for companies.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include workplace health management, commitment, employee retention, work motivation, SME, and public health impact.
How does the pandemic affect the findings of the study?
The study notes that the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges, particularly limiting the effectiveness of on-site health measures and highlighting the need for remote work adaptations.
Why should SMEs prioritize workplace health management?
The research suggests that OHM and WHP serve as key differentiators for employer attractiveness, employee retention, and long-term cost reduction in an increasingly competitive labor market.
- Citar trabajo
- Gerhard Schön (Autor), Fabian Renger (Autor), Workplace Health Promotion through Occupational Health Management. In Small- and Medium-Sized Companies, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1392678
