Occupational health as a management tool

Abstract

Abstract

Optimal work performance of an employee consists of a balance between work and leisure. The personnel is more productive and satisfied if areas such as appropriate workload, healthy working conditions, effective stress management, sufficient recovery, a balanced diet and lifestyle together with a satisfactory level of physical exercise to deal with the daily demands of a job and daily life are taken care of.

The wellbeing of employees has become an important issue in the business world. The aim of this thesis was to find out if occupational health can be used as a management tool. I examined occupational health in Osuuskauppa PeeÄssä from two perspectives, the personnel and management, and also how the personnel and the superiors have experienced Työvire-activity.

The thesis consists of theory and research parts. There were two researches conducted for this thesis; the first one was a written questionnaire for staff members of one outlet. The other study was carried out in a form of an interview. The interviews were gathered from the managers of four outlets. The questionnaire for the personnel focused on the methods of maintaining a good state of occupational health. The interviews of the managers focused on the managerial perspective; what is the responsibility of a manager in occupational health and can it be used as a management tool?

The state of occupational health of an outlet does have a direct impact on the wellbeing of the personnel, work atmosphere, on the number of sick leaves and on the financial figures. The managers felt that Työvire-activity improves the fellow-feeling and atmosphere if arranged properly. Työvire at its best is a combination of work- related and lifestyle activities which improve the general wellbeing of the staff.

Looking after occupational health is one of the most important duties of the manager; daily observations of the mood of the staff have to be carefully examined. In case the manager does not react to possible issues early enough, the occupational health of the outlet is in great danger. The consequences of a weakened work atmosphere and occupational health reflect on daily work efficiency, the level of customer service, the mood of the staff, and in the end, the financial performance of the company

Key words: Occupational health, management, work atmosphere