[Health management in small and medium-sized enterprises: results of a representative survey].

PURPOSE

The prevalence of workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Germany as well as age management were investigated.

METHODS

Representative data were collected by computer assisted telephone interviews in 1 441 SME (1-250 employees) in 7 regions of Germany.

RESULTS

One-third of the SME have a system of health promotion. Disability management is known only in one third of the enterprises, another third of them knew the legal obligations. About half of the enterprises have a system to collect data about health-related absenteeism in business. Effects caused by the demographic change in Germany are feared by nearly 50% of the enterprises, but only 20% have taken action against it. The implementation of work health promotion is higher in enterprises with more employees.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that workplace health promotion (WHP) in German small and medium-sized enterprises is not yet installed to a wide extent. The smaller the enterprises the less WHP is found. The results are verified by similar studies. Small and medium-sized enterprises have a need for consultation in cases of illness or health prevention. But there is not yet an organised structure available for getting advice. The study is the basis for a national project "Gesunde Arbeit", which will establish these consulting structures.