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

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

Occupational health goes much deeper than simply preventing accidents. It is 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 terms?

Imagine occupational health as the guardian of well-being in your company. Its mission is not just to comply with a list of regulations to avoid fines; it is about building an environment where each person can give their best without their physical or mental health paying the price.

This encompasses everything from something as fundamental as the ergonomics of a chair to prevent back pain, to comprehensive programs to manage the stress generated by the current work pace. As leaders in corporate well-being 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 divide its focus into several key pillars.

This table breaks down the components of an effective occupational health program, showing 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 well-being of our people?

Thinking about occupational health is a direct investment in your most valuable asset: your team. This investment translates into greater commitment, 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 for its people, and as a result, fosters loyalty and attracts the best talent.

Why it is crucial in the Mexican work environment

In Mexico, understanding what occupational health is goes far beyond merely complying with 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 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 structure of the labor market itself. Let's be clear: informality is a complex problem affecting millions.

Recent data show that of the nearly 60 million people employed 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 does not have full access to accident prevention programs, training, or specialized medical care. You can check the statistics from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare for the full numbers.

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

As the infographic summarizes, 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 hit your business's profitability.

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

Investing in your team's health is not an expense; it's a statement of principles. It’s proof that you understand that sustainable success is built by taking care of people. A company that prioritizes well-being retains talent, inspires loyalty, and leads in 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 supported by four clear and practical pillars.

Think of them as a map that any leader can follow to build a safer, healthier, and consequently, much more productive work environment. It’s not about imposing rules, but about building a culture of well-being 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.

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

In sectors like construction or manufacturing, risks are greater. It is estimated that in Mexico at least 500,000 workers are exposed to crystalline silica, a mineral that can cause serious respiratory diseases. Learning more about the recurring occupational hazards in Mexico helps grasp the true extent of the problem.

2. Psychosocial and mental well-being

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

Psychosocial well-being is the silent engine of a committed and happy team. When employees feel mentally supported, their creativity, collaboration, and loyalty soar.

This is where compliance with NOM-035 comes into play, which aims precisely to prevent psychosocial risk factors. Actions such as setting realistic workloads, fostering open communication, and promoting positive leadership are essential.

3. Hygiene and general health

This pillar focuses on maintaining a clean and healthy work environment. But it goes much further than 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 materials. A clean environment not only prevents diseases but also sends a clear message: the company cares about the well-being of its people.

4. Culture of prevention and training

Finally, no occupational health program can succeed if it isn’t ingrained in the company’s DNA. It’s not about having a manual stored in a drawer, but empowering each employee.

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

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

The silent impact of stress and how to combat it

Workplace 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 address it, it ends up affecting the entire structure of your business. In Mexico, the numbers are more than a wake-up call; they are an alarm that no company can ignore.

The figures on workplace stress that Mexico cannot hide

The work pace has accelerated to levels that are already taking their toll. Recent data shows that 75% of Mexican workers have experienced some type of workplace stress. Worse still, 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 look deeper into the state of workplace stress in Mexico and what it implies.

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

Practical solutions for a real problem

The good news is that combating stress in the office doesn’t require astronomical solutions, but rather smart 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 built-up tension.

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

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

A tangible boost to mood and energy

When an employee returns to their desk after a well-being 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 one that communicates better and collaborates more.

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

• Strengthens loyalty: Demonstrates with actions, not just words, a genuine commitment to people’s health.

Incorporating these breaks is a simple and high-impact way to manage one of the biggest risks to modern occupational health. If you want to dig deeper, we invite you to read our tips on managing workplace stress to be happier at work.

How to land your occupational health plan step by step

Moving from theory to action doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide is designed so that HR and wellness leaders can launch 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 to start with concrete actions that build a solid foundation.

1. Initial diagnosis: where do we stand?

Before charting a route, you need to know where you stand. The first step is a straightforward diagnosis to identify your team’s specific risks and pain points.

• Observe your office: Are the chairs really ergonomic? Does the lighting strain your 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 the most stress or physical discomfort. Their answers are pure gold.

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

2. Define clear and achievable goals

With the diagnosis in hand, it’s time to set realistic goals. Forget vague notions like "improving well-being." 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 a 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 how to properly adjust their chair and monitor.

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

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

4. Communicate, train, and involve everyone

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

Communicate clearly the objectives and benefits of each initiative. Offer short, to-the-point training on topics like stress management or postural hygiene. A key tip: appoint "well-being 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 the surveys, review absenteeism metrics, and most importantly, ask for feedback constantly.

Use that information to fine-tune the plan. Be flexible. And don’t forget to celebrate every small advancement to keep 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. True change happens when you understand it for what it is: your biggest competitive advantage. Investing in your team’s well-being has a clear and measurable return.

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

When an employee genuinely feels 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 biannual 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 truly cares about their well-being.

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 answer your questions: frequently asked questions about occupational health

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

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

Yes, absolutely. In Mexico, the Federal Labor Law and various Official Mexican Standards (N{