Mehrwert Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement

Abstract

Aim: A healthy workforce is becoming increasingly important in the light of demographic trends. The aim of this study was to highlight the added value of establishing a workplace health management system in health and care facilities. An investigation was carried out into the advantages offered by workplace health management as opposed to workplace health promotion, and whether any benefits can be derived for health and care facilities. Method: The research question was: What added value is created by the implementation of a workplace health management system in health and care facilities? In order to answer the research question, six interviews were conducted with experts in health and care facilities which either have a workplace health management system or offer their employees workplace health promotion schemes. Data were collected from April to May 2015 by using the grounded theory method (Hildenbrand 2004) with a semistandardised interview guide. The raw data were transcribed according to Kuckartz et al. (2008) and analysed by computer-aided methods (MAXQDA) using qualitative content analysis based on Mayring (2004). Results: Added value for health and care facilities can only be created in the context of workplace health management. A targeted course of action in the sense of the PDCA cycle is necessary for this purpose. It is essential for workplace health management to be attuned to the needs of employees so as to ensure a high take-up of the services on offer. Specific examples of success in the facilities with workplace health management were high levels of employee satisfaction and motivation, which in turn lead to a high level of patient satisfaction and have a positive impact on the image of the health and care facilities. Differences between the facilities were particularly evident in the support provided by management, the appeal to the target audience, the handling of resources, successful outcomes and the take-up of provision. Conclusions: The approach in workplace health management leads to a win-win-win situation for the employees, the health and care facilities, and society. This requires internal controls to monitor the effectiveness of the measures, which is taken into account in workplace health management. There was no such control system in any of the facilities studied, which is why the qualitative approach appears to be suitable for the investigation.