How can I reduce the risk of work-related illnesses in my company?
January 6, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Selma Stamm
Dear Occupational Health Physician,
I work as a team leader in a medium-sized company and I am concerned about the health of my employees. Lately, we have been dealing more and more with work-related illnesses such as back pain, stress, or burnout. These health problems not only lead to increased absenteeism, but also affect the well-being and performance of our employees.
I am aware that it is my responsibility as a leader to promote and protect the health and well-being of my employees. Therefore, I am wondering what measures I can take to reduce the risk of work-related illnesses in my company.
We have already set up ergonomic workstations and offer regular health checks. However, I believe that additional preventive measures are necessary. Are there specific training programs or workshops that we can offer to our employees? How can we further improve the work environment to reduce stress and overload? Are there specific measures we can take to promote the physical and mental health of our employees?
I would greatly appreciate your expertise and recommendations on how we can effectively reduce the risk of work-related illnesses in our company. Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Wolfgang Schäfer
Dear Mr. Schäfer,
Thank you for your message and your commitment to the health and wellbeing of your employees. It is commendable that you are considering preventive measures to reduce work-related illnesses and are willing to take further steps to minimize the risk.
To effectively reduce the risk of work-related illnesses in your company, there are various measures you can take. In addition to ergonomic workstations and health checks, training programs and workshops are a good way to educate employees about health-promoting behaviors and stress management techniques.
Specific training programs could cover topics such as proper lifting and carrying, ergonomic computer work, stress management, and burnout prevention. Through training and workshops, employees can be sensitized to health-promoting behaviors and receive concrete tips to protect their physical and mental health.
Furthermore, you can further improve the work environment to reduce stress and overload. This could include promoting an open communication culture, creating rest areas, introducing flexible working hours, promoting movement in the workplace, and enabling healthy eating at work.
It is also important to have regular employee discussions to identify emerging problems early and offer appropriate support. A good Occupational Health Management can help promote the health and wellbeing of employees in the long term.
Overall, it is important for leaders and management to actively promote employee health and establish a health-promoting corporate culture. Only then can work-related illnesses be effectively reduced and employees remain healthy and productive in the long term.
I hope these recommendations help you to take appropriate measures to reduce work-related illnesses in your company. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Selma Stamm
