Breaking news: a mandatory PMO won't get your organization anywhere

Surprising insights and useful tools to strengthen the vitality of employees and the organization, both at an individual level, at the organizational level and in the area of working conditions; that is the power of a Periodic Medical Examination (PMO)! Unfortunately, the Vitality Advisors at De Arbodienst see all too often that the PMO is used because of an obligation, for example because a certain recommendation came out of the RI&E. The PMO is then carried out "because it has to", without any vision or thought behind it.

A missed opportunity, if you ask us! Why? Because the PMO completely loses its value! Because a PMO only has value if it is deployed with the right intentions, executed in the right way and if it is followed by the right interventions.

Despite not being required to participate in a PMO, employees often feel that way. This idea is only reinforced if an employer also sees it as "a necessary evil." This feeling is conveyed to employees who, like the employer, are unsure why the PMO is performed and what the added value is. This can cause reluctance among employees or, in some cases, even lead to fear of participation. "I don't want my data to be shared" or "I won't participate because if I'm not in good standing, I'll be fired"; unrealistic thoughts that do not help employees or the employer.

Moreover, the mandatory nature of the PMO means that employees are not intrinsically motivated to make real changes; they participate because they think they have to, rather than because they are curious about their own health and vitality. This then results in low PMO participation rates. The employer has invested in something that delivers nothing... A shame!

To achieve relevant results, it is important that at least 60%-70% participate in the PMO. Even more important is that the participants themselves want it and really want to do something with the results. When you use a PMO as a tool to improve the vitality of employees and the organization, this results in more enthusiasm among employees. The end result: more people participating in the survey and a relevant and useful outcome!

It is also important to address any concerns surrounding the PMO and inform all employees about it as well as possible: state why the PMO is being conducted and what its importance is for the individual and for the organization. Also indicate what will be done with the results and give employees the space to ask questions, before, during and after the PMO. De Arbodienst can help you as an employer with this by getting clear on the purpose of the PMO prior to the examination. We can also think along with the organization about communication to employees.

And finally, what will you as a company do with the outcome of a PMO? That you get relevant results is one thing, but what you ultimately do with them is just as important. A PMO is valuable because you now know exactly where the areas for improvement in the organization lie.

De Arbodienst can perform both PMOs and follow-ups. We not only give you insight into the bottlenecks within the organization, but also solution-oriented advice. Think, for example, of a conversation technique training for managers, if it appears that there are many conflicts in an organization. Or carrying out a workplace investigation if it appears that many employees have physical complaints. As a result, your PMO will pay off and your employees and organization will become more vital!

The PMO of De Arbodienst consists of an online questionnaire with questions about lifestyle, vitality and job satisfaction that can be supplemented with physical tests. Employees receive personal and targeted advice on lifestyle, vitality and health. The employer receives an anonymous group report, which describes the bottlenecks within the organization and in which we provide concrete advice that helps the organization move forward! Want to know more? Then take a look at the website at PMO or contact us!