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The Market

In times of changing social environment and labor market policies, mental illnesses and behavioral disorders are increasing worldwide. Nowadays, mental problems rank fourth in the list of most common reasons for work incapacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) calculates that depression will grow to be on the second place of these statistics by 2020.

“No health without mental health” – the motto of Finland’s former health minister Eva Biaudet expresses the basic importance of emotional balance for physical well-being. Mental disorders can be related to physical ailments such as cardiovascular disease or cancer. Studies on the subject show that the frequency and duration of mental disorders tend to increase with the age of the employees. In times of demographic changes and extended working years, mental health promotion at the workplace gains more and more importance.

The rising intensity and complexity of work processes in modern professional life implies new risk factors, such as stress, communication problems with superiors and colleagues, workplace competition, an insecure employment situation, insufficient skills or underchallenge. Without an effective prevention, these mechanisms can influence the competitiveness of your company in the long run.

Several European Union Institutions have been emphasizing the importance of the topic “Mental Health” during the past years. In order to promote workplace protection in its member countries, the European Commission for Security and Health Protection produced a common strategy during the period 2002 to 2006. With this five-year-strategy, occupational diseases and workplace accidents are expected to decrease by 25% by the year 2012 in the whole European Union.

The Focus

High security and safety standards at the workplace not only have a positive influence on the company’s productivity and competitiveness but also improve the well-being of the employees. In times of the so called Knowledge-Society, human resources are indeed the most important corporate reserve. In order to preserve the employability of all jobholders to an advanced age, working conditions and working environment have to be adapted to this goal. Demographic change as well as pension plans occurring at a more advanced age, demand workplaces where employees are able to perform ergonomically, regardless of how old they may be.

The realization of the need for a healthy and secure workplace environment is only possible when perceived as a common task. Its implementation depends on the participation of all who have influence, expertise and authority.