Health literacy of commercial industry managers: an exploratory qualitative study in Germany

Background Managers have been neglected in health literacy research. There still is little known about the health literacy status and needs of commercial industry managers. This study reduces the existing knowledge gap by presenting findings of an exploratory qualitative study. Methods We conducted 23 separate semi-structured interviews of managers from all management levels (low, middle and top) and experts in the field of health management and/or personnel management. The qualitative interviews were analysed according to Mayring’s content analytic approach using MAXQDA. Results The findings indicate that managers do have considerable information levels about existing health topics and relevant problems but have difficulties of discernment as to which sources of information can be activated or accessed in a timely fashion due to work and information overload. Even those who devise strategies often fail in implementing health-literate behavior. Experts and managers had fairly consistent views on the importance of health literacy among managers. Most agreed that mental health was neglected and that company conditions were important in influencing the ability to act in a way that promoted health literacy. The findings also show that strengthening of managerial self-perception, self-regulation and self-control, raising awareness and ability to take personal responsibility for one’s own health, developing skills in handling large amounts of information and fostering open and trusting communication are all essential. Conclusions The findings provide specific points which are important for promoting health literacy among managers. The study underscores the need to incorporate and integrate different perspectives in the implementation of health literacy interventions. To develop health-promoting companies, further research has to provide guides to action for managers and investigate ways in which health literacy can be promoted among managers on all hierarchical levels. Key messages Industry managers in this study agreed that their mental health has been neglected and company conditions were important in influencing the ability to act in a way that promoted health literacy. This study reduces the knowledge gap about the health literacy of managers. Further research should focus on promoting mental health and providing guides to action for managers and companies.