ORIGINAL PAPER
Workplace health promotion in Poland in 2015 – Diagnosis based on a representative survey of companies employing more than 50 employees
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Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Krajowe Centrum Promocji Zdrowia w Miejscu Pracy / National Center for Workplace Health Promotion)
Online publication date: 2016-12-22
Corresponding author
Krzysztof Puchalski
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera,
Krajowe Centrum Promocji Zdrowia w Miejscu Pracy, ul. św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2017;68(2):229-46
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ABSTRACT
Background: The workplace health promotion (WHP) activity of enterprises in Poland was examined. The findings referred to
how many companies implemented non-obligatory actions for health and what actions were taken, what were the reasons and
obstacles in the implementation, whether companies evaluated their activity, how they motivated staff to WHP, and whether the
size and economic standing differentiated their activity. Material and Methods: Representative survey, consisted of computer
assisted telephone interviews with delegates of the boards of 1000 companies employing > 50 employees, held in November–December
2015. Results: Every second company undertook voluntary actions for workers health. Most often they offered medical
care, supported physical activity and took care about the work environment in a higher range than required by binding regulations.
They promoted health to build company’s good image, improve productivity and reduce costs. The tradition of WHP in the
company, attitudes of employers and intention to boost the vitality of employees also played a role . Despite good financial standing
of companies, the shortage of funds was the main barrier in the implementation of WHP activities. Other impediments, such
as lack of sufficient state incentives, workload of the management staff, lack of knowledge about WHP benefits and lack of good
pro-health services were observed as well. Few companies motivated employees to WHP and carried out its evaluation. Conclusions: The development of WHP requires dissemination of its benefits among employers, human resources and safety personnel
trainings in WHP management, implementation of the system of relief and prestigious awards for active companies, increase in
the number and scope of research works on WHP conditions and effectiveness. Crucial herein is the role of the state in cooperation
with other major WHP actors. Med Pr 2017;68(2):229–246