The importance of occupational health management: More than just a buzzword

Guideline 2026: The importance of occupational health management (BGM) — More than just a buzzword

Technical article by Tim Kleber | Expert 4 for corporate mental health at mentalport

Last update: 2026 | Reading time: approx. 6 minutes

💡 TL; DR: Why is occupational health management essential?

Occupational health management (BGM) is not a short-term trend, but a holistic strategy to focus on the physical and mental health of employees in the long term. A professional BGM reduces absences due to illness, promotes a healthy work-life balance and increases overall productivity. Key measures include: health-promoting work environments, prevention & assessments, flexible working hours, relaxation offers and continuous communication.

👉 Would you like to set up a modern BGM in your company? Book your free mentalPORT demo now!

What is occupational health management (BGM) really? (expert insights)

Many companies confuse BGM with occasionally providing a basket of fruit. But occupational health management is much more than just a buzzword. It is a profound, holistic approach that focuses on the real well-being of the team. At mentalport, we are not only concerned with simply preventing illnesses, but also proactively promoting positive working conditions and a genuine work-life balance.

Why is BGM so relevant to your company's success?

The relevance is obvious: Healthy employees are more productive, more motivated and less likely to be absent due to illness. A well-designed BGM system offers measurable benefits:

• Performance increase: It not only contributes to individual health, but also increases the performance of the entire team.
• Strong employer branding: By promoting health at work, the working climate is improved and the company's image on the labor market is massively strengthened.
• Emotional attachment: You feel valued as an employee, which in turn directly increases your job satisfaction. A satisfied team is more successful in the long term.

Occupational health management in practice: 5 concrete pillars

How do you successfully implement BGM 2026? Here are the most important areas of action:

1. Create a health-promoting work environment

A work environment must be created that actively promotes the physical and mental health of your employees. Ergonomic office furniture, sufficient daylight and dedicated relaxation areas are key principles here.

2. Enable a healthy work-life balance

The lines between work and private life are blurring. By supporting flexible working hours, the balance between work and private life is significantly easier. Modern occupational health management always takes into account that overwork and chronic stress have negative health effects in the long term.

3. Digitize prevention and health care

Don't wait until your team burns out. Regular health checks — both physiological and psychological (such as psychological risk assessment) — should be offered. The early identification of health risks enables you to intervene in a timely manner.

4. Establish corporate sports and relaxation offers

Physical activity and mental relaxation make a significant contribution to health. Offers such as yoga classes, company sports or joint break activities can enormously increase individual well-being and general employee loyalty.

5. Transparent communication and targeted training

Knowledge is the best protection against stress. Inform your employees regularly about health-related topics and create awareness of the importance of BGM. Regular training on stress management techniques should also be offered.

BGM is a continuous process, not a project

Occupational health management is not a one-time project with an end date, but a continuous process. It requires constant evaluation, adjustment and development of your measures.

• Use employee feedback: An open dialogue within the company is absolutely crucial to understanding the real needs of your team.
• Needs analysis: Through regular employee surveys or anonymous feedback rounds, it is possible to find out which health aspects are currently particularly important.
• Agile customization: This enables your HR team to respond specifically to needs and to continuously optimize health management.

Conclusion: Your best investment in the future

Occupational health management is much more than just an investment in employee health — it is a strategic investment in the future of your entire company. A healthy workforce provides an unwavering foundation for sustainable success, innovation and a positive working environment.

💡 MentalPort tip: Use our free ROI check to immediately calculate how much budget your company can save by introducing a professional BGM!

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between BGM and BGF (occupational health promotion)?BGF includes individual, selective measures such as the yoga class or the fruit basket. BGM, on the other hand, is the strategic management level that controls, evaluates and continuously improves all these measures (including occupational safety and reintegration).

How do I measure the success of occupational health management?Successful BGM is data-based. Key figures include the reduction of absenteeism (sick leave), the reduction of employee turnover, the results of the psychological risk assessment and feedback from regular employee surveys.

How does mentalport help with BGM?mentalport is your digital one-stop shop for corporate mental health. The app helps companies to carry out psychological assessments (such as GBU Psyche) in a legally secure manner, obtain anonymous feedback and offer employees direct access to mental relaxation exercises and coaching.

👉 Ready to start? Learn now in a free demoHow mentalport can take on all tasks related to mental health and get in touch with us without obligation!

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Photo by Standsome Workliu upon Unsplash