Global Health Promotion Forum

Country Information

This feature will highlight specific practices, resources, guidelines and regulations related to workplace health in various countries and regions of the world which are essential for global health promotion programming.


Here is an example of some useful information with regard to European practices:

  • The employer does not carry direct health care costs in most European countries;
  • There are many regulations and laws regarding health & safety in Europe: the European Commission issues directives and each country has its own laws and regulations;
  • Occupational health and safety professionals are often not open to health and wellness concepts, but at the same time are key partners in initiating programs;
  • Employees have an inherent skepticism against giving out personal information (i.e., personal health data);
  • It is advantageous to cooperate with national or local health insurances and form alliances – often these provide services and expertise for free (if employees are members of the insurance);
  • Smoking is widespread at many company sites and the resistance to non-smoking policies is large.
  • Although a number of Eastern European states have recently joined the European Union these states face some different challenges: e.g., lower standards of occupational health & safety, higher rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption, and longer working hours.