What is occupational health and why is it key for your business?

When we hear the term occupational health, it's easy to think only of hard hats, safety vests, and signs saying "caution, wet floor." And yes, that's part of the picture, but it's just the tip of the iceberg.

Occupational health goes far beyond simply preventing accidents. It's the comprehensive discipline dedicated to making your workplace a safe and healthy space in every sense: physical, mental, and social.

What is occupational health in simple words?

Think of occupational health as the guardian of wellbeing in your company. Its mission is not only to comply with a list of norms to avoid fines; it's about building an environment where everyone can give their best without putting their physical or mental health at risk.

This encompasses everything from something as fundamental as the ergonomics of a chair to prevent back pain, to comprehensive programs for managing the stress generated by today's work pace. As leaders in corporate wellness in Mexico since 2019, we have seen that companies that understand this achieve more connected and productive teams.

It goes far beyond accident prevention

Of course, safety is a pillar, but the modern vision of occupational health is much broader. It asks how working conditions affect a person's quality of life in the long term.

To understand it better, we can break its approach down into several key pillars.

This table breaks down the components of an effective occupational health program, showcasing its comprehensive scope.

Pillars of occupational health

As you can see, occupational health answers a key question: how can we ensure that work is not only productive but also contributes to the wellbeing of our people?

Thinking about occupational health is a direct investment in your most valuable asset: your team. This investment translates to greater engagement, lower absenteeism, and a stronger, more resilient business.

At the end of the day, a well-implemented strategy strengthens culture, demonstrates that the company genuinely cares about its people, and as a result, fosters loyalty and attracts the best talent.

Why it is crucial in the Mexican labor environment

In Mexico, understanding what occupational health is goes far beyond just fulfilling legal requirements. It is a strategic necessity that has a direct impact on the success of any company.

If you think about it, the lack of well-structured wellness programs is the root cause of many headaches faced by HR leaders and company directors: a constant turnover of staff, the ongoing struggle to attract valuable talent, and productivity that seems stagnant.

Addressing occupational health head-on is not an expense; it’s about building a more competitive, and above all, more human company.

The challenge of informality and its impact

One of the biggest challenges in our country is the very structure of the labor market. Let’s be clear: informality is a complex problem affecting millions.

Recent data shows that of the nearly 60 million employed people in Mexico, only about 37% had formal access to occupational health services. With a labor informality rate of 54.4% as of March 2024, the reality is that more than half of the country's workforce has no full access to accident prevention programs, training, or specialized medical care. You can consult the statistics from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare to see the complete numbers.

This situation places a huge responsibility on the shoulders of formal companies. They have the unique opportunity to become a true refuge of wellness and safety for their teams, making a real difference in the quality of life of their employees.

As summarized in the infographic, when a company decides to face challenges like high turnover, the benefits are tangible, starting with a noticeable increase in productivity.

A real competitive advantage

Ignoring occupational health has hidden costs that directly impact your business’s profitability.

Absenteeism, presenteeism (employees physically present in the office but mentally absent due to stress), and low morale are clear symptoms of an environment that has neglected wellness. If you’re interested in delving deeper, you can learn more about key burnout data in Mexico in our article.

Investing in the health of the team is not an expense; it is a statement of principles. It is the proof that you understand that sustainable success is built by taking care of people. A company that prioritizes wellness retains talent, inspires loyalty, and leads its industry.

The four pillars of a successful occupational health program

For an occupational health strategy to work, it doesn’t need to be complicated. In our experience helping companies improve their work environment since 2019, we have seen that the most effective programs are built on four clear and practical pillars.

Think of them as a map that any leader can follow to create a safer, healthier, and consequently, much more productive work environment. It’s not about imposing rules but about building a culture of wellness that is lived every day.

1. Prevention of physical risks

This is the most visible pillar of occupational health. It focuses on everything that can cause physical harm, from obvious things like avoiding falls and hits, to more subtle details that impact day-to-day life.

In an office, this means ensuring ergonomic workstations to prevent injuries, providing good lighting to avoid straining the eyes, and keeping common areas clear.

In sectors like construction or manufacturing the risks are greater. It is estimated that in Mexico at least 500,000 workers are exposed to crystalline silica, a mineral that can cause severe respiratory diseases. Knowing more about the labor risks that recur in Mexico helps to understand the true scope of the problem.

2. Psychosocial and mental wellness

A safe work environment goes far beyond the physical. Mental health is equally important. This pillar focuses on identifying and mitigating factors that generate stress, anxiety, or burnout in the team.

Psychosocial wellbeing is the silent engine of a committed and happy team. When employees feel mentally supported, their creativity, collaboration, and loyalty skyrocket.

This is where compliance with NOM-035 comes into play, which seeks just that: to prevent psychosocial risk factors. Actions like establishing realistic workloads, fostering open communication, and promoting positive leadership are fundamental.

3. Hygiene and overall health

This pillar focuses on maintaining a clean and healthy work environment. But it goes far beyond just having hand sanitizer on hand.

It includes ensuring good air quality, maintaining constant cleanliness in common areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, and facilitating access to basic hygiene items. A clean environment not only prevents diseases but also sends a clear message: the company cares about the wellbeing of its people.

4. Culture of prevention and training

Finally, no occupational health program can succeed if it does not become part of the company’s DNA. It is not about having a manual filed away in a drawer, but about empowering every employee.

This is achieved through constant and accessible training. Teach your team how to properly adjust their chairs, recognize the first signs of stress, or lift objects safely. When everyone understands their role, occupational health becomes a shared responsibility.

Implementing these foundations is the first step in developing workplace wellness programs that truly generate a positive impact.

The silent impact of stress and how to combat it

Work-related stress is one of the greatest saboteurs of productivity in the modern office. It’s not just about "feeling pressured"; it’s a factor that drains energy, stifles creativity, and fuels burnout.

It’s like an invisible water leak: if you don’t fix it, it ends up affecting the entire structure of your business. In Mexico, the figures are more than just a wake-up call; they are an alarm that no company can ignore.

The figures of work-related stress that Mexico cannot hide

The work pace has accelerated to levels that are already taking a toll on us. Recent data shows that 75% of Mexican workers have experienced some form of work-related stress. Worse yet, an alarming 27% suffer from chronic stress.

According to the World Health Organization, these figures place us above powers like China and the United States. You can delve deeper into the state of work-related stress in Mexico and what it entails.

This translates into exhausted teams, less collaboration, and a much steeper uphill climb to achieve goals. Ignoring it is letting a silent thief steal the potential of your people.

Practical solutions for a real problem

The good news is that combating stress in the office doesn’t require astronomical solutions, but intelligent interventions that offer real relief. This is where initiatives like chair massages make a measurable and, above all, felt difference.

Think of it this way: offering a 15-minute break with a professional therapist directly in the office breaks the cycle of accumulated tension.

A chair massage is much more than a simple benefit. It is a strategic tool that sends a powerful message: "We care about your wellbeing and we give you the space to recharge."

This action not only relieves physical tension in the neck and shoulders, but it also provides a crucial mental disconnection. As we have seen in hundreds of companies, the most effective solutions are those that are felt in the body.

A tangible boost to mood and energy

When an employee returns to their desk after a wellness break, they don’t just feel more relaxed. They feel seen and valued. At Zen to Go, we see this every day.

This type of initiative generates a domino effect that is noticeable:

• Improves mood: A happier team is a team that communicates better and collaborates more.

• Recharges energy: Helps overcome afternoon fatigue and maintain focus.

• Strengthens loyalty: Demonstrates with actions, not just words, a genuine commitment to the health of individuals.

Incorporating these breaks is an easy and high-impact way to manage one of the greatest risks to modern occupational health. If you want to dig deeper, we invite you to read our tips on how to manage work-related stress to be happier at your job.

How to ground your occupational health plan step by step

Moving from theory to action doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide is designed for HR and wellness leaders to kick off an occupational health plan logically and effectively without needing a million-dollar budget. The secret is not to seek perfection from day one. It’s about starting with concrete actions that build a solid foundation.

1. Initial diagnosis: where do we stand?

Before outlining a route, you need to know where you are. The first step is a simple diagnosis to identify the specific risks and pain points of your team.

• Observe your office: Are the chairs really ergonomic? Does the lighting strain the eyes by the end of the day? Are there loose cables or obstructed aisles?

• Talk to your people: Launch anonymous surveys or simply have informal chats. Ask what generates them the most stress or physical discomfort. Their answers are pure gold.

• Review the data you already have: Take a look at the absenteeism records. Do you notice any patterns? Are absences concentrated in certain areas or times of the year?

2. Define clear and achievable objectives

With the diagnosis in hand, it’s time to set realistic goals. Forget vague purposes like "improving wellbeing." Be specific.

A good goal is not "reduce stress." It is "reduce stress-related absenteeism by 15% in the next six months" or "achieve that 80% of the team participates in at least one active break each week."

Having metrics like this will allow you to know if your actions are working and justify the investment to management.

3. Design simple yet high-impact programs

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start with easy-to-implement initiatives that yield visible results quickly.

• Active breaks and ergonomics: Organize brief stretching sessions (5-10 minutes) a couple of times a day. Teach your team something as basic as properly adjusting their chair and monitor.

• Wellness days: Dedicate one day a month to health. You can invite a nutritionist for a talk or bring services like chair massages directly to the office. In fact, chair massage is the active break that recharges your team and has a very strong cultural effect.

• Open communication: Create safe channels for employees to discuss their workload and stress levels without fear of repercussions. Sometimes, the best tool is simply listening.

4. Communicate, train, and engage everyone

An occupational health plan cannot be a secret project of Human Resources. For it to work, everyone must feel part of it.

Clearly communicate the objectives and benefits of each initiative. Offer short and focused training on topics like stress management or postural hygiene. A key tip: name "wellness ambassadors" in different teams to help spread enthusiasm.

5. Measure, adjust, and celebrate achievements

Finally, establish a system to measure the impact of your actions. Reapply surveys, review absenteeism metrics, and most importantly, continually ask for feedback.

Use that information to refine the plan. Be flexible. And don’t forget to celebrate each small progress to keep the motivation high.

An intelligent investment in your people and your business

It’s time to stop viewing occupational health as a mere expense or legal obligation. The real change occurs when you see it for what it is: your greatest competitive advantage. Investing in the wellbeing of your team has a clear and measurable return.

A well-thought-out strategy reduces turnover, attracts top talent, boosts productivity, and above all, strengthens your brand as an employer from within.

When an employee feels genuinely cared for, their commitment and loyalty multiply. This is not a slogan; it’s a business reality.

Our own experience with corporate clients confirms this. According to the semi-annual satisfaction surveys we conduct after implementing wellness programs with Zen to Go, the data is compelling:

• 83% of employees report a significant reduction in stress.

• 95% feel that their company genuinely cares about their wellbeing.

These figures demonstrate that taking care of your people is not only the right thing to do but also the smartest business move you can make today. A healthy, motivated, and focused team is the engine that drives real growth.

If you're interested in exploring more, we share concrete ideas in our article on how to improve the work environment.

We resolve your doubts: frequently asked questions about occupational health

Here we answer directly those key questions you have surely asked yourself when exploring how to implement a wellness program in your company.

Is my company legally required to have an occupational health program?

Yes, absolutely. In Mexico, the Federal Labor Law and several Official Mexican Standards (NOM) set very clear responsibilities for all employers. The most well-known is NOM-035, which focuses on psychosocial risk factors.

Obligations adjust to the size and type of each company, but the principle is the same for all: none are exempt from the responsibility of caring for their people.

What is the difference between industrial safety and occupational health?

This is a very common doubt. Think of it this way: industrial safety is the first line of defense. It focuses on preventing immediate and visible accidents: a fall, a cut, a bump. Its mission is to prevent the incident from occurring today.

In contrast, occupational health has a much broader and long-term vision. It not only seeks to prevent accidents but also to promote a complete state of wellbeing (physical, mental, and social) that lasts. It prevents diseases that develop over time and fosters an environment where people can thrive.

Safety prevents today's accident; occupational health protects tomorrow's quality of life.

Do I need a giant budget to start?

Not at all. This is one of the biggest myths that holds many companies back. You can start building a culture of wellness with low-cost actions but with a high impact.

Here are some ideas to get started:

• Organize active breaks: Encourage short 5-minute breaks to stretch. They cost nothing and reactivate energy.

• Offer basic training: A simple workshop on ergonomics for adjusting the chair and monitor can prevent chronic back pain.

• Implement flexible services: Solutions like our Sitting Shiatsu Massages adapt to your budget and space. You can start with a session for a specific team and measure the impact. It's a tangible and highly valued benefit that can be done without employees having to remove their clothing.

At Zen to Go, we know that every company is different. That’s why we help you design wellness programs that feel authentic, care for your team, and strengthen your business. Discover how we can bring wellness to your office.