How does it pay to promote health at work?

Healthy employees who are happy and enjoy their work experience more energy in their daily lives. This leads to high levels of satisfaction and reduces the likelihood that the employee will want to change jobs. It turns out that employees who are unhappy at work also have higher sickness absence and poorer mental health. This is something that health promotion initiatives can prevent, and in addition, it contributes to being an attractive workplace, which can help recruit and retain more employees.

Studies show that it pays to work on health and well-being in the workplace, both small and large, as it is associated with many benefits for companies and employees. Therefore, future health initiatives must also be part of companies' day-to-day operations. Working on health and well-being in companies has a positive effect on sickness absence, increases employee satisfaction and improves their mental health.

What are the potential benefits of health promotion?

Promoting health in companies and for employees can have a number of benefits, especially when it comes to mental health. This can include:

Less sick leave

• Health interventions for employees can improve mental health, which can lead to reduced sickness absence and higher well-being. This also leads to lower costs for the company.

A good working environment

• Focusing on the working environment is essential for managing working days with room for both criticism and praise, and which gives employees the freedom to do their work. In addition, there are opportunities for personal development and varied tasks during the working day. This increases employee well-being and leads to greater satisfaction.

Higher productivity

• Improving mental health leads to increased productivity and efficiency. Feeling good at work is important for well-being. The workplace is one of the places where people spend most of their time. It is therefore essential to create good conditions for employees and make sure they feel good both socially and at work.

Physical activity in the workplace

• Physical activity at work improves health and quality of life. Sedentary work is a major part of daily life for many Danes. Sitting still for long periods of time is stressful for many people. Movement and exercise have a major impact on our health and well-being. With a fitness room or active breaks, companies can take the lead and help to improve well-being, strengthen communities and relationships, and prevent complications and pain.

Investing in health promotion thus has a decisive impact on reducing sickness absence in companies, increasing employee productivity and improving well-being, which in turn benefits the company. It reduces healthcare costs and makes the company more attractive. It also makes it easier for them to retain their employees in the long term.