For the first time, the National Agency for Public Health is launching the national workplace health promotion week
Between November 25-30, 2024, at the initiative of the National Agency for Public Health, for the first time, the National Week will take place of health promotion at the workplace, with the generic „Workers’ health – efficient state economy“. The purpose of the campaign is to increase the level of information and awareness regarding the reduction of risk factors that persist in the workplace, as well as the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle by promoting preventive measures and improving the working conditions of employees. The event is held with the support of the Moldovan-Swiss project “Healthy Life: reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases”.
The promotion of health at the workplace (PSLM) represents the joint effort made by employers, employees and society in order to improve health, which contributes to reducing absenteeism, stimulating motivation and increasing work productivity, reducing worker turnover, etc.
According to the most recent studies by the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, every euro invested in PSLM brings a benefit of 2.5-4.8 euros in terms of reducing costs associated with absenteeism.
It should be noted that approximately 30 million working days are lost due to work accidents and 26 million days – due to occupational diseases.
At the European level, more than 1,300 deaths and more than 800,000 accidents at work are recorded annually in the construction sector alone. Also, more than 600 thousand workers are exposed to asbestos, and more than 50% of employees suffer from various profession-related ailments (auditory, musculoskeletal, etc.).
In addition to causing incalculable human suffering, occupational accidents and diseases constitute a significant economic cost, accounting for an estimated annual loss of 3.94% of global GDP.
Thus, prioritizing the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases, but also investing in health promotion at the workplace will contribute to the establishment of a healthy workforce, ensuring the creation of sustainable economies.
Health promotion in the workplace is ensured by a number of factors, such as:
- creating a friendly and favorable work environment for employees;
- encouraging the participation of employees in health promotion activities;
- ensuring the possibility to make healthy choices at work, etc.
In the Republic of Moldova, more than half of all registered diseases (communicable and non-communicable) are found among the working population, i.e. up to the age of 65. As a result, it leads to absenteeism from the workplace (loss of working days) due to illness, early retirement, disability with inability to work, premature deaths.
In the context of the national workplace health promotion week, we encourage employers from the branches of the national economy, the National Confederation of Employers, the National Confederation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Moldova to join the campaign to promote the health and well-being of the population of the Republic of Moldova.
Examples of measures to promote health at work:
- providing a healthy program and jobs;
- facilitating the participation of employees in improving the organization of their work and work environment;
- ensuring continuous professional training opportunities for employees;
- providing support for smoking cessation programs;
- prohibition of tobacco and alcohol consumption at the workplace;
- encouraging and promoting physical activity by: establishing active breaks, organizing sports events, etc.;
- ensuring and promoting healthy eating at the workplace;
- supporting mental well-being by offering, for example, confidential external psychosocial assistance, counseling and anti-stress training, etc.
The right to a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental human right
Welcome to the Healthiest Week of Your Life: The National Workplace Health Promotion Week!
Ah, the workplace! That magical land where dreams are crushed, and coffee breaks are the highlight of your day. But fear not, because from November 25-30, 2024, we’re shaking things up with the first-ever National Week of Health Promotion at the workplace! This initiative, presented by the National Agency for Public Health, comes with the rather snazzy tagline: “Workers’ health – efficient state economy” . Who knew workplace wellness could sound like an economic policy?
Now, let’s get serious for a moment because the main aim here is not just to give you a reason to stretch those legs and dodge the office gossip; it’s about upping the game on awareness and information. You see, there are pesky risk factors lurking around every corner in your workplace, waiting to trip you up like a dreadful sitcom plot twist. The campaign is all about adopting a healthy lifestyle, promoting preventive measures, and, let’s face it, making where you work slightly less miserable.
According to the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work (yes, they exist!), every euro invested in workplace health brings you a predicted return of between 2.5 to 4.8 euros in reduced absenteeism costs. Now, those are numbers even your accountant would get excited about! And really, who doesn’t want to turn their euro into a mini economic bonanza?
Let’s talk stats because nothing says fun quite like a good old-fashioned list of injuries and ailments. Are you ready? Approximately 30 million working days are lost due to workplace accidents – that’s like everyone in Moldova collectively taking a long siesta! And if that wasn’t alarming enough, another 26 million days are lost to occupational diseases. This isn’t just numbers; these are real lives affected!
And let’s not forget Europe’s love affair with the construction industry, boasting over 1,300 deaths and a staggering 800,000 accidents at work annually. Plus, more than 600,000 workers are still playing with asbestos! It’s like being asked if you want the “basic” or “deluxe” model of occupational health risks. Let’s go with the safe option, shall we?
Now, aside from causing unimaginable human suffering, workplace mishaps are also a serious economic drain, costing us a hefty estimated annual loss of 3.94% of global GDP. In simpler terms, that’s a lot of euros we could all do with having in our pockets instead of hospitals!
So, What’s the Game Plan?
Firstly, the focus should be on creating a friendly work environment. Think of it as making your workspace feel less like a prison and more like a cozy coffee shop, minus the overpriced lattes. The plan is all about collaboration between employers, employees, and, surprisingly, society at large! Because we can’t let those pesky risk factors ruin our productivity, can we?
Health Measures to Consider
- Offering a healthy work program (yes, that’s a thing!)
- Encouraging employee participation in health initiatives – think potlucks with kale instead of donuts!
- Continuous professional training – because learning should never stop (and you can never have too many PowerPoint slides).
- Support smoking cessation programs – because trying to quit while still lighting up isn’t quite the point!
- Prohibiting alcohol and tobacco consumption at work – no office happy hours, I’m afraid.
- Promoting physical activity via active breaks – set those office chairs on fire, folks! (kidding)
- Supporting mental well-being with counseling – because who doesn’t need a good chat occasionally?
Let’s Wrap This Up!
Finally, let’s remember that the right to a safe and healthy working environment isn’t just fluff; it’s a fundamental human right. This is where the campaign comes into play, urging everyone from employers to national confederations to join forces to ensure our workforce is fit and vibrant. After all, when we promote health, we’re ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable economy, and who wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?
So gear up, folks! Let’s shake off those office doldrums with a whirlwind of health. Because a happy, healthy worker is no laughing matter – oh wait, it totally is!
What are the key benefits of implementing workplace health promotion programs for both employees and employers?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Sava, Health Policy Expert at the National Agency for Public Health**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Sava! We’re excited to discuss the upcoming National Workplace Health Promotion Week set to take place from November 25-30, 2024. Can you tell us what motivated the National Agency for Public Health to initiate this campaign?
**Dr. Sava:** Thank you for having me! The motivation behind this initiative is rooted in the pressing need to address the alarming statistics surrounding workplace safety and health. Each year, millions of working days are lost due to workplace accidents and diseases. By promoting workplace health, we aim to not only reduce these numbers but also improve overall employee well-being, which is crucial for productivity and a thriving economy.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant issue. You mentioned staggering statistics, like 30 million working days lost to accidents and another 26 million to occupational diseases. How does this affect the economy?
**Dr. Sava:** It has a profound impact! These lost working days translate to an estimated annual economic loss of about 3.94% of global GDP. To put it in perspective, that’s a vast amount of resources that could otherwise be directed toward improving services, investing in businesses, or even reducing taxes. By prioritizing workplace health, we can actually create a mini economic bonanza by retaining this value within our economies.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! The theme for this year’s promotion week is “Workers’ health – efficient state economy.” Could you elaborate on how a healthier workforce contributes to a more efficient economy?
**Dr. Sava:** Absolutely! A healthy workforce leads to reduced absenteeism and lower turnover rates. When employees are healthier, they’re more productive and engaged. Research shows that for every euro invested in health promotion at work, there’s a return of 2.5 to 4.8 euros due to reduced costs associated with absenteeism. This not only benefits employers but also contributes to the sustainability of our economy.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a win-win situation! What are some specific actions that employers can take during the National Workplace Health Promotion Week?
**Dr. Sava:** Employers can implement a variety of measures, such as creating a friendly work environment, encouraging active participation in health programs, and providing support for healthier lifestyle choices, like smoking cessation and physical activity initiatives. They might also consider offering mental health resources, which are increasingly vital for employee well-being.
**Interviewer:** These initiatives seem crucial, especially given the ongoing health challenges faced by the workforce. How can employees get involved during this week?
**Dr. Sava:** Employees can actively engage by participating in health promotion activities organized by their employers. It’s also an opportunity for them to advocate for healthier workplace practices and share ideas about improving their work environment. We encourage everyone to take this week as a chance to reflect on their own health and well-being and to foster a culture of health at work.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sava, for sharing these insights! As the promotion week approaches, what final message do you want to leave with our listeners?
**Dr. Sava:** Prioritizing health at work is not just a responsibility; it’s a fundamental human right. We must work together—employers, employees, and society—to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. Let’s make the National Workplace Health Promotion Week a transformative event that sets the tone for a healthier future!
**Interviewer:** A fantastic message to conclude on! Thank you again for your time, Dr. Sava. We look forward to the National Workplace Health Promotion Week.
