Occupational health in social firms—a review of the working and health situation of employees and workplace health promotion

Abstract

Background: Social firms provide a safe occupational framework for people with mental or physical disabilities on the competitive labour market. Due to the health needs of the target group of people with disabilities and recent legislative changes in Germany, workplace health promotion gains importance in social firms. Objectives: In the article an overview of the current state of research regarding the work and health situation of employees in social firms and the implementation of health promotion interventions is presented. Results: Research suggests that in the occupational setting a range of health resources (like social support and flexibility) can be provided to gain health-promoting and socially inclusive effects. Conclusion: There is a need for analyses of occupational demands and evidence-based health promotion interventions in social firms for people with and without disabilities. This article summarizes recommendations for developing health-promoting working conditions on the basis of previous research, especially regarding work content, work organisation and social relations.