Workplace health promotion:The importance of the salutogenic approach and positive thought

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After attending the 20th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, I reviewed the sessions and presentations about occupational health, analyzed the present situation of workplace health promotion (WHP) and discussed future perspectives.In this conference, a symposium entitled “Salutogenic approaches to workplace health-structure and function-a European perspective in a global world” was held. The participants argued that the salutogenic approach and the sense of coherence (SOC) could provide a comprehensive model and theory for WHP. To move forward, an intervention study related to the salutogenic theory that targets organizations as well as individuals will be necessary in the future. The recently introduced concept of work engagement, which is defined as a state of vigor, dedication, and absorption of workers, is a positive psychological concept that merges the salutogenic theory and SOC in WHP.To sustain WHP, the accumulation of evidence and practical application of the salutogenic theory and/or positive psychology at the level of organizations as well as individuals will be needed. In addition, collaborative work and action among occupational health professionals, employees, employers, and various fields of specialists is imperative for the betterment of WHP.