Forum BGM Zurich founded: For healthier employees

The world of work is changing. It is becoming increasingly important for companies to actively promote the health of their employees. This makes them attractive to the highly sought-after skilled workers. Petra Keel, Managing Director of the newly founded Forum BGM Zurich, also knows this. "As we all personally experience, the working world is changing. The pace is getting faster, the tasks more complex and the processes more digital," she observes. This development is being exacerbated by the pandemic, and it is not leaving all employees unscathed. According to Health Promotion Switzerland
three out of ten employees report stress at work. Almost the same number are emotionally exhausted. Absences from work due to burnout are continuously increasing. "We would like to counteract this trend with the Forum BGM Zurich. Because work can provide security, structure, identity and self-confidence and thus promote health. In companies, this requires a health-promoting organization, leadership and culture," explains Petra Keel.

Strengthening the working population

On behalf of the Health Department of the Canton of Zurich, Prevention and Health Promotion aims to strengthen the health of employees and thus also Zurich companies. For this reason, Prevention and Health Promotion has created the Forum BGM Zurich. The Employer Zurich VZH, the Commercial Association Zurich, the Suva and the SVA Zurich could be won as additional sponsors of the forum. Thanks to this cooperation, the Forum BGM Zurich operates close to practice, integrates existing expertise and is well networked. The Forum is also independent and not profit-oriented.

Information from theory and practice

The new Forum BGM Zurich offers companies various services. On the knowledge platform www.bgm-zh.ch managers, HR specialists and people responsible for workplace health management will find practical know-how and tools, as well as new examples of companies from the canton that are implementing workplace health management in their day-to-day work. "Many companies imagine BGM to be something large and complicated," Petra Keel notes. "Even with individual smaller measures, such as the introduction of work sequences without interruptions or targeted return-to-work talks, companies can create an initial sustainable and positive effect."

Forum BGM Zurich networks via events

To enable companies to network and share and expand their know-how, Forum BGM Zurich organizes experience exchange meetings several times a year. "Companies that are at a similar point are usually struggling with similar problems. Supporting each other and looking for solutions together can simplify many things and get them going," says Petra Keel. Martin Hirzel, President of Swissmem, also emphasizes: "Companies need good networks that offer support. That also includes workplace health promotion."

At half-day focus events as well as online impulse events, megatrends such as "health" and "new work" but also very specific topics such as "safety on construction sites" are presented and discussed in collaboration with experts. "In the canton of Zurich, there are excellent specialist offices on health-related topics. It is very important to me that we involve them and make use of synergies," says Keel.

BGM as a worthwhile investment

Investing in occupational health management pays off. With health-promoting measures, companies can increase their attractiveness on the labor market and thus keep up with the competition for skilled workers. Occupational health management increases employee satisfaction, motivation and performance, as well as their loyalty to the company. Since a well-implemented health management system reduces absenteeism and employees generally return to work more quickly after an illness, companies can save up to twenty percent of absenteeism costs. "Especially in turbulent and unsettled times, it is worthwhile for companies to invest resources in occupational health management. After all, healthy and committed employees make a significant contribution to the company's success," emphasizes Hans Strittmatter, Head of Employers Zurich VZH.