Lately, I've been asked repeatedly: What exactly is BGF? What's the deal with occupational health promotion? I've been working in the field of health promotion for 13 years, both at the municipal and corporate levels. For me, these terms are completely self-evident. But clearly: only those who have already encountered BGF know what it is. It's about promoting healthy work cultures as a central goal for a company. I'll reveal what exactly lies behind it in this article.

BGF is a low-threshold organizational development process

BGF is short for „Corporate health promotion. Behind this is a organizational development process (OD process) with the Goal to improve the holistic well-being of everyone in the workplace. Health and work ability should not only be maintained but also strengthened. This is achieved through the participatory development of measures. Through their implementation, resources are increased and burdens are reduced, so that people have more healthy life years despite and at work. The measures affect all levels. What distinguishes this OE process from others is its low threshold. It addresses a topic that everyone knows, that aims for positive development for everyone, and is not rolled out top-down. The central aspects of HWB are according to Luxembourgish Declaration.

1. • Better working conditions and organization.
   • Promoting active employee engagement.
   • Development of personal competencies.

Workplace health promotion works here.

Workplace health promotion works on all levels. VOn error and leadership culture about work environment and work organization, Motivation, values and competencies up to on topics concerning the body and mind. The underlying concept of health is based on two essential understandings: 1. "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being [...]. ."(WHO) 2."Health is a problem-solving and emotion-regulation ability that maintains or restores positive mental and physical well-being—especially positive self-esteem—and a supportive network of social relationships."(Badura) This isn't just about superficial topics like sports or nutrition. Far more important than such obvious "quick wins" (which can still be legitimate and useful) is the actual process: the appreciative involvement of all employees, the collaborative development of actionable measures, and the establishment of a structure that allows for the long-term integration of workplace health promotion into the strategy. What the company gains from this is more than just a list of actions. It's an insight into the expertise of managers and employees in their respective fields. The opportunity to think about solutions with more than just the management level. The chance to reach everyone and to address developments where the real status quo and need lie.

Overview: The House of Workability

There is a concept that offers a very good overview of all the levels on which this occupational health promotion process (OE) has an effect: The House of Work Ability. Work ability describes "A person's potential [...] to master a given task at a given time. The development of individual functional capacity must be related to the work requirements. Both quantities can change and must be adapted appropriately for age and aging as needed."(Ilmarinen J., Temple J.). The House of Work Ability was developed by Finnish scientist Juhani Ilmarinen together with occupational physician Jürgen Tempel. It presents all the areas that have an impact on work ability, summarized in four "floors." Floors 1-3 are strongly influenced by individual factors as well as organizational ones. The first floor encompasses health on both a psychological and physical level. The second floor follows with competencies and skills. The third floor contains values, motivation, and attitudes. The fourth floor highlights organizational themes, such as leadership culture, job content and environment, and work organization. All these aspects play a role and are addressed in measures taken during health promotion projects.