What is occupational health management (OHM)?
Occupational health management (OHM) refers to all systematic measures taken by a company with the aim of maintaining and promoting the health, performance and well-being of employees in the long term.
OHM goes beyond individual health services and sees health as a strategic success factor. In Austria, occupational health management is becoming increasingly important - not least due to rising sickness rates, mental stress and the shortage of skilled workers.
What are the goals of occupational health management?
OHM pursues both health-related and economic goals:
Health goals
→ Reduction of sick leave
→ Prevention of physical and mental illnesses
→ Promotion of motivation and well-being
Entrepreneurial goals
→ Maintaining the performance of the workforce
→ Increase productivity and employer attractiveness
→ Reduction of absenteeism and fluctuation costs
Effective OHM creates a win-win situation for employees and the company.
What measures are part of occupational health management?
Company health management is based on several pillars:
Working conditions & organization
→ Ergonomics, working time models, break regulations, management culture
Health-promoting measures
→ Exercise programs, stress prevention, nutrition programs, mental health programs
Prevention & awareness-raising
→ Training courses, workshops, health checks, information campaigns
It is crucial that measures are tailored to the actual needs of employees - one-off measures are no substitute for sustainable OHM.
What role do HR & managers play in BGM?
HR departments take on a coordinating and steering role in occupational health management:
- Analysis of stress factors and sickness absence data
- Development and implementation of a BGM strategy
- Involvement of external experts and prevention agencies
Managers are key multipliers. Their behavior has a decisive influence on whether health measures are accepted and put into practice - or remain ineffective.
What should companies and employees look out for?
For employees:
→ Actively use offers and provide feedback
→ Take your own stress limits seriously
For companies & HR:
→ Anchor OHM strategically, not as an individual measure
→ Involve employees at an early stage
→ Regularly evaluate and adjust the effect
Why is occupational health management so important?
For employees:
→ Healthier working conditions, greater satisfaction and long-term employability
For companies:
→ Less sick leave, higher retention and sustainable performance
Occupational health management is not a „nice-to-have“, but a central component of modern and responsible corporate management.
