[Workplace Health Promotion in Germany: Prevalence and Utilisation. Analyses on Labour Force Surveys of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in 2006 and 2012].

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

This article describes representative data on the availability of and individual participation in workplace health promotion (WHP) in Germany. These data are based on responses of 17 870 employees which were collected within the Labour Force Survey 2011/12 of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. By comparison with data from the previous wave of the survey carried out in 2005/06 (N=17 803), medium-term trends in WHP are identified.

RESULTS

In 2012, 44% of the employees reported WHP activities in their companies, as against 38% in 2006. Increasing WHP prevalences were observed in all company sizes and economic sectors. In both surveys, employees in small companies reported significantly less WHP than those in large companies. Of all economic sectors, industrial manufacturing still showed the largest diffusion of WHP, even though the gap to other sectors has narrowed since 2006. The proportion of respondents who individually participated in WHP (if available) has slightly declined. The most striking difference in participation rates - which has even increased over time - is between small and large companies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a moderately increased prevalence of WHP in Germany. At the same time, data still suggest a considerable need for WHP-related advice and support, particularly in small companies. On the basis of the analysed data, however, no statements can be made about qualitative characteristics of WHP activities in Germany.