Public health policy is a matter for the government and politicians. But workplace health is also the responsibility of employers, emphasised health minister Martine Deprez (CSV), who attended the first Paperjam Mini Health Summit organised by Paperjam.
Health, performance, longevity--or how can we better integrate these elements into corporate culture? These questions were a recurring theme throughout the event, which took place opening with a panel discussion. Before the keynote speech by neuroscientist Mithu Storoni, health minister Deprez addressed the audience, having just stepped out of the four-party health meeting held that afternoon.
“Occupational health is a complex issue that presents a range of challenges, but it also holds great potential for the health of the working population and the Luxembourg economy,” she began, before outlining some of the challenges facing businesses: “adapting to new ways of working, work-life balance, managing psychosocial risks, and the ageing of the workforce, which is linked to multiple conditions and chronic illnesses.”
The minister, a mathematician by training, also shared some figures that she considers revealing on the subject:
19%
According to data from the IGSS, this is the proportion of sick notes issued in Luxembourg for cases of depression or mental health conditions.
16%
This is the proportion of certificates issued for musculoskeletal conditions, and ‘which highlight work-related chronic conditions’.
37%
This is the proportion of respondents to the Quality of Work Index survey conducted by the Chamber of Employees who report stress as a trigger for a mental health problem
13%
This is the proportion of respondents to this survey who say they have often or almost always experienced health problems over the past 12 months. “That’s a huge figure,” said Martine Deprez.
€1.2bn
The ‘total cost of absenteeism’, according to the minister.
Public policy alone is not enough.
“These figures highlight the importance of prioritising mental health and supporting those who are struggling. Behind every figure there is a person, perhaps a life story, a vulnerability that deserves to be heard and supported,” she added.
“Whilst occupational health is all too often reduced to a mere ‘tick-the-box exercise’ these days,” she conceded, “investing in concrete initiatives offers significant potential benefits on several fronts: reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and enhanced attractiveness. There can be no sustainable economic performance without sustainable human health.”
The government will shortly unveil its national prevention strategy, which will be implemented through the involvement of the Health Directorate, the ITM, the Accident Insurance Association and the Occupational Health Service (SST), as well as businesses.
“This also involves supporting employers in their efforts to implement initiatives that promote health and well-being. Public policy alone is not enough. In day-to-day life, when it comes to health and well-being, corporate culture can make all the difference.”
