Determinants of Workplace Health Promotion in the Insurance Sector: Results of a Complete Survey of German Insurance Companies in 2006

Objectives: The present study is aimed to assess the current level of workplace health promotion (WHIP) within the German insurance sector and to examine whether and to what extent internal and external factors play a role in implementing non-statutory health promotion measures. Methods: Firstly, a telephone survey was conducted of German insurance companies fulfilling the inclusion criteria for the survey (n = 258). It was enquired whether these companies wish to participate in a written survey on workplace health promotion. A written questionnaire was then sent to those companies meeting the criteria (n = 140). The questionnaire contained questions on the company, number and type of workplace health promotion measures as well as the internal and external framework for workplace health promotion measures. In total, 68 questionnaires were filled in and returned. Linear regression analysis was applied to investigate how external and internal variables influence workplace health promotion. Results: The response rate was 48.57%. Workplace health promotion measures undertaken by those insurance companies taking part in the written survey were largely dominated by behavioural and relational prevention measures. Also on offer were measures from areas such as further education and prevention that seek to improve communication and team work. By contrast, diagnostic activities were only of minor importance. Incorporation into workplace health management (beta = 0.469; p < 0.001), company size (beta = 0.340; p < 0.001) as well as implementation of management measures with regard to personnel development, organisational development and quality control (beta = 0.243; p < 0.01) have a significant influence on the number of non-statutory WHP measures implemented (R-2 = 62%). Conclusions: To increase the effectiveness of their non-statutory health promotion measures insurance companies should increasingly incorporate such measures into specific health management programmes as well as general management measures with regard to personnel development, organisational development and quality control. Moreover, workplace health promotion measures should always be evaluated in terms of health and economic indicators. it should also be noted that small and medium-sized companies have the largest potential for improvement.