Workplace Health Promotion Inspired by Corporate Social Responsibility – Interactions Within Supply Chains and NetworksDate submitted: September 30, 2017Revised version accepted after double blind review: October 2, 2018

Abstract

Workplace health promotion (WHP), which is supported by networks and business partners, is an important issue of corporate social responsibility. In an interview-study with enterprise and industry representatives, we analyzed whether WHP as one aspect of CSR is already realized within the supply chain and how interactions within the supply chain and networks can be described in terms of WHP. The results showed that issues of occupational safety are relevant within business relationships, but WHP in general is found to be less so. Networks outside the supply chain are often used to support WHP. The most-mentioned practice to ensure occupational health in supply chains is the control of suppliers (e.g., through audits). Collaborations (e.g., joint projects) were somewhat less stated. In conclusion, enterprises need to establish internal structures to conduct successful WHP within their supply chain. Future research should investigate factors that foster or hinder the process of establishing WHP within supply chains.