Excellent health promotion

Every two years, the Institute of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention at the University of Zurich is commissioned by the Department of Health to recognize Zurich companies that integrate health promotion into their day-to-day operations in a particularly exemplary manner. The "Zurich Prize for Health Promotion in the Workplace" was awarded for the tenth time today, Friday, March 18, 2016. The award was presented at the 27th Zurich Prevention Day by the Director of Health of the Canton of Zurich, Cantonal Councillor Dr. Thomas Heiniger, in front of 300 people in Zurich. Thomas Heiniger emphasized that occupational health management pays off: "For strengthening the most valuable resources and for the good reputation of the company. I would like to congratulate all the winners."

Health is a top priority here

A jury of Zurich experts selected the winners in the three categories of small, medium-sized and large companies. Strict criteria were applied: To be in with a chance of winning the prize, companies not only had to implement functioning occupational health management (OHM) measures, but also meet high standards in terms of analysis and quality assurance.

The winner in the "Small companies" category is INFRAS. The research and consulting office has been integrating an exemplary OHM concept into its everyday working life for several years. A member of the management team is responsible for occupational health management and thus anchors workplace health promotion as part of the corporate culture. "The health of our employees is important to us," emphasizes Thomas von Stokar from the INFRAS management team. "Because we strive to create good conditions for this at various levels of the company, we are delighted to have been awarded the Zurich Prize for Workplace Health Promotion."

In the "medium-sized companies" category, Strickhof, a competence center for education and services in the agriculture and food industry, won the race. Here, eight employees form the health promotion team, which addresses topics such as healthy eating, flexible working time models and dealing with pressure and develops measures. "A pleasant, healthy teaching and learning environment is an important success factor for Strickhof, which is why we are delighted that our extensive work in health promotion has been recognized externally with this award," says Director Ueli Voegeli.

The airline SWISS, which won the award in the "Large Company" category, impressed the jury with its exemplary and comprehensive occupational health management. What began with measures in the areas of safety and occupational medicine is now a broad-based system of offerings designed to make it easier for employees to work healthily. Social counseling, company absence management, ergonomics training and a campaign on psychosocial health are just some of the measures the company uses to promote a healthy working environment. "Healthy, productive and motivated employees are key to our company's success. And it is part of our culture that we also look after employees in difficult situations," says Reto Schmid, Head of Human Resources at SWISS, underlining the company's efforts in the area of occupational health management.

A role model for others

The three award-winning companies may use the title "Winner of the Zurich Award for Health Promotion in the Workplace" for two years. They also receive publicity in the form of advertisements and media reports. The aim is to make other companies aware of the benefits of professional workplace health promotion, as jury co-president Georg Bauer explains: "Lower costs due to illness and absences, increased productivity and less fluctuation thanks to happier employees - workplace health promotion not only expresses appreciation for employees, it also pays off economically."