HARTMANNs Occupational Health Management: employee well-being comes first

Multiethnic young office employees do workout exercises during break at work Multiethnic young office employees do workout exercises during break at work
As a healthcare Company with a long tradition, HARTMANN is deeply committed to the responsibility of actively promoting the well-being of its employees - a commitment that is anchored both in the Company's history and in its daily activities. Over the past ten years, HARTMANN has rebuilt its substantial occupational health management (OHM) program and adapted it to today's needs. It focuses on prevention, physical and mental well-being and a holistic approach to employee health. HARTMANN spoke with Dr. Markus Kneißl, head of its occupational health management program.

Preventive measures for more well-being

The importance of preventive measures in maintaining the health and productivity of our workforce is paramount. Dr. Kneißl emphasizes, “Prevention is at the heart of our strategy, and we take inspiration from practices in internal medicine that focus on avoiding heart attacks, strokes and early disease detection.” This philosophy drives the occupational health screenings and assessments offered to employees. These include, for example, annual skin cancer screening or basic health checks that look at blood sugar and blood pressure.

Tailor-made initiatives for individual needs

Dr. Markus Kneißl
Dr. Kneißl describes HARTMANNs health policy: “It’s a management system that identifies and addresses the specific needs of employees, moving away from a generic, ‘one-size-fits-all’ model.” This data-driven system is based on key performance indicators (KPIs), general basic information from the company-specific health report of the Betriebskrankenkasse (company health insurance fund) and occupational health insights. The data is used to tailor initiatives to directly benefit employees, including ergonomic improvements at the workplace, sporting activities and programs for both physical and mental health. These measures pay particular attention to alleviating complaints that may arise more frequently in certain employee groups, such as musculoskeletal disorders in production and logistics.

Special attention is paid to prevalent health issues that may occur among different employee groups. For instance, musculoskeletal disorders were identified as a significant concern, especially in production and logistics. In response, HARTMANN introduced a mobile training and analysis program that addresses specific musculoskeletal issues for employees, providing individualized training plans and exercises.

Additionally, HARTMANN introduced a mobile training and analysis program at its headquarters in Heidenheim to specifically prevent and/or alleviate typical work-related complaints (e.g. due to physical inactivity and sitting for long periods). Based on individual training plans and exercises, employees can use the Company's own “training island” to specifically address back problems for example or to simply improve their fitness - during working hours and with the help of a personal trainer.

Communication and information for more awareness

Communication and education are key components of HARTMANNs OHM strategy. On HARTMANN Health Days, external service providers and health insurance partners can engage directly with employees through on-site activities and health screenings. To keep the initiative fresh, HARTMANN alternates its Health Days with a lecture series, covering topics relevant to different times of the year – such as a sun protection lecture in June and a breast cancer awareness session in another month.

Teamwork is the key to success

Teamwork is always the hallmark of HARTMANNs success, and OHM is no exception. Departments work together, such as Human Resources and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). Ongoing dialogue is maintained, whether during the quarterly Arbeitsschutzausschusssitzungen (Occupational Safety Committee Meetings) or via the Steuerkreis Gesundheit (Health Steering Committee), which meets twice a year. HARTMANNs approach to OHM always aims to be inclusive, actively involving the Works Council, particularly in areas like accident prevention and occupational safety.

Leading by example

HARTMANN believes strongly that when management encourages health-promoting behavior, it sends a positive signal throughout the organization. Dr. Kneißl adds, “Company executives have become increasingly aware of the importance of OHM, allocating funds to support comprehensive health initiatives, such as the expansion of benefits like the EGYM Wellpass. It offers employees a wide range of sports and wellness options at a discounted monthly fixed price and is a key component of HARTMANNs health promotion efforts.”

To our future health

“We continuously measure and review the success of our OHM measures to identify potential for improvement and set ourselves new goals,” explains Dr. Kneißl, looking to the future. In this way, HARTMANN ensures that its OHM initiatives continue to develop and meet the changing needs of the workforce.

HARTMANN. Advancing healthcare responsibly.