01-06-2008 | Original Article
Prevention, health promotion and workplace health management in German banks: Results from a nationwide representative survey
Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2008
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Objectives
The present study aims to assess the current state of workplace health promotion in German banks and to draw conclusions for the organization of future workplace prevention practice.
Methods
A standardized telephone interview was conducted in 198 randomly selected banks in Germany, questioning one expert on health promotion from each bank. The interviews contained questions regarding health promotion activities and framework. Evaluation of the data was carried out using descriptive statistical methods.
Results
Health promotion practice in German banks is predominated by the implementation of measures from areas of analysis/diagnosis as well as various relational prevention measures. By contrast, behavioral prevention activities are only of minor significance. Few banks have incorporated prevention activities into a systematic concept of workplace health management. Key persons in charge of prevention activities are held to be management (51.5%) as well as health and occupational safety representatives (41.9%).
Conclusions
Banks are advised, in the future, to invest more resources into the development of systematic workplace health management. Since workplace health promotion is primarily considered as a management task, managers should receive a more target-specific training.