· Improved range of health-related activities at all German locations

Stuttgart – As demographic change progresses, Bosch is systematically extending its in-company health management program. The objective is to further improve the range of health-related activities at the roughly 70 locations in Germany, to make them accessible to as many associates as possible, and in this way to make the workforce generally healthier. This new concept, which has been given the name “befit,” is the focus for networking and pooling all the health-related activities in the company. Both sides benefit from this: associates from better fitness and performance, Bosch from greater loyalty and better management of the risks of demographic change.

New scientific findings
In developing this concept, Bosch has drawn not only on the tried and tested work of senior medical officers, workplace designers, counselors, and fitness experts, but also on the latest scientific findings. Data gathered (together with the University of Heidelberg, among others) in pilot projects at the Ansbach, Karlsruhe, and Reutlingen locations show how targeted, integrated health promotion can best succeed. Six areas of in-company action will now be established systematically at the other locations in Germany: medical screening, physical and mental fitness, physical health, healthy nutrition, organization of work, and reintegration management. In both their professional and private lives, associates in Germany will benefit from the new programs the company is offering to keep them in good health.

Increase in illnesses caused by civilization
Apart from many sports and leisure activities, there are special burnout self-tests for cases of psychological stress, for example. Optimum workplace design is examined by the ErgoCheck: an “ErgoCheck seal” is only issued if all the points specified by the workplace designers are satisfied. The company is also offering special menus as a daily option in its canteens – eating and drinking properly preserves and improves both physical and mental fitness.

This reorganization of health management is prompted by three trends: first, the share of the elderly among the population is rising in Germany, due to the lower birth rate and longer life expectancy. At Bosch alone, the average age of the workforce will rise from 42 to a predicted 49 over the next 20 years. Second, the modern working environment calls for ever more mental flexibility, and third, the share of illnesses caused by civilization – such as obesity, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular conditions – is increasing, and this not only among the elderly. The best “medicine” for this is to take preventive measures early. These conditions call for a standardized procedure at all locations. Bosch is now making the first move.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 270,000 associates generated sales of roughly 38 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI6832 - November 2009