Objectives: The Bavarian State department for environment, health and consumer protection has developed an employee questionnaire as a management tool for medium to large companies to initiate processes resulting in tangible changes and improvements in such companies. Instead of detailed questions, a standardized indicator questionnaire is used to determine the necessity for action in a company. The survey is presently being tested in various Bavarian companies as part of an integrated health management system. The project phase runs from 2004 until 2007 and includes an initial questionnaire and a repeat questionnaire after about 1 year. Subjects and Methods: A total of six Bavarian companies in the sectors of transportation, services, administration and production participated in the project. The questionnaire covered the parameters physical complaints, mental and psychosocial stress and strain, satisfaction with the working conditions and suggestions for improvement. After filling in the questionnaire, employees and management determine concrete causes and suitable solutions for problems in department-based discussions. A feed-back control system guarantees that the goals and changes agreed upon are achieved. The available results have been descriptively analysed by presenting absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The response rate was between 34 and 96 %. Musculoskeletal pain was the most prominent complaint. Excess stress was caused especially by interruptions/disruptions and pressure of time in all companies. Mental problems included nervous tension, fatigue/exhaustion and frustration. Suggestions for improvement mostly involved organizational aspects, room environment and interpersonal factors. Safety concerns were less important. Conclusions: Using a comparatively simple employee questionnaire, it is possible to obtain important information on the physical and psychosocial health of employees.
