Why Health Is Becoming Increasingly Important at Work
At a time when many people spend a large part of their day at work, the subject of health in the workplace is becoming increasingly important. Between meetings, emails, and deadline pressure, there is often little room for exercise, healthy eating, or conscious breaks. But it is precisely these small things that make a big difference in the long term. It is becoming increasingly clear that healthy employees are not only happier, but also more productive and motivated.
Comprehensive Well-Being Over Isolated Measures
Health in the workplace goes far beyond than ergonomic furniture or a fruit basket. It is about a comprehensive understanding of well-being that takes both physical and mental aspects into account. If you sit for eight or more hours a day, hardly move, and are under constant time pressure, you risk long-term health problems.
Common issues include:
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Back pain and muscle tension
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Eye problems caused by computer screens
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Fatigue and poor concentration
Mental Health Can’t Be Overlooked
Mental health is another key aspect. In today’s work environment, many people are faced with a high workload, the pressure to be constantly available, and too little time to unwind. Stress is often accepted as inevitable, but it can lead to serious long-term illnesses such as burnout. Prevention is crucial here.
Diet and Medication: Small Routines With a Big Impact
Your nutrition also plays an important role. If you only grab unhealthy snacks between appointments or skip meals, you will not only weaken your physical performance, but also your concentration and resilience.
Tip for app users: Use your mediteo app not only for medication, but also for healthy routines: reminders for meals, drink breaks, or short exercise sessions can help to establish healthy habits in your everyday working life.
What You Can Do
You can contribute greatly to your own well-being by making conscious decisions:
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Regular exercise – e.g. short walks or stretching exercises (mobility exercises for the office – from the health insurance “Die Techniker”, article in German)
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Healthy diet – balanced meals, sufficient water (at least 1.5 liters per day) and coffee only in moderation
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Planned breaks – even short breaks promote regeneration
The Role of the Employer
Companies also bear responsibility. Among other things, employers can support you in designing an ergonomic workplace, e.g., with a height-adjustable desk or good lighting. In Germany, employers are also legally obliged to implement occupational safety measures. These include:
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Work protection law (ArbSchG): regulates the basic obligations of employers to ensure the safety and health protection of employees at work.
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Company integration management (BEM): obliges employers to offer employees a reintegration procedure after more than six weeks of inability to work within a year. The aim is to maintain the ability to work and prevent further incapacity to work.
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Workplace health promotion (BGF): comprises voluntary measures to promote the health, well-being, and performance of employees and is supported by health insurance funds.
These legal requirements form the basis for comprehensive occupational health management (BGM), which takes both physical and mental health into account. A health-promoting corporate culture can be fostered through measures such as the following:
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Flexible working models (e.g., working from home, flexitime)
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Transparent communication and realistic goals
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Offers such as health programs, sports courses, coaching, or psychological counseling
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Promotion of mindfulness and stress management
Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact
Health in the workplace is not a luxury, but an investment in sustainable success — for employees and companies alike. Those who take care of themselves early on and establish healthy routines can remain productive, satisfied, and healthy in the long term.
Health apps like mediteo can help you with this — for example, by providing reliable reminders to take your medication, structured documentation of symptoms and health values, and a clear overview of your treatment. This allows you to keep track of your health even during a hectic workday and to actively take responsibility for your well-being.
Sources
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