Workplace health promotion in small and midsize enterprises

Background. Various studies have found the profitability of small and midsize enterprises (SME) to be related to their ability to innovate. Investing in human and social capital can help these companies increase their ability to innovate. Research question. This study looked at how the level and type of workplace health promotion (WHP) programmes differ among larger, leading SME when they are actively managed by the businesses' owners and their competitors. Method. Structured interviews were conducted with six owner-managed enterprises, as well as with four competitors from the chemicals and metal industry. Results. All businesses offer WHP programmes. Two of the businesses participating in the study have enrolled an employee in an in-house WHP programme. The organizations taking part in the study spend around (sic)83 per employee per year on WHP pro-grammes. By comparison, owner-managed enterprises clearly spend less than their competitors. One weakness stands out: "Controlling" or "active management" of the WHP programmes was found in only two of the businesses taking part in the study. The differences between the owner-controlled businesses and the management-controlled businesses are, on the whole, minor. Innovative potential by the owner-managed businesses is indicated by the fact that they focus much more strongly on the needs of their employees, as well as possess a perceptiveness and responsiveness to certain groups of employees. In conclusion, it is highly recommended that all businesses enroll more staff and more actively manage their WHP programmes.