Getting Started with BGM
What's the best way to start with BGM — concretely, in the first week?
The BGM launch works in five steps: assess your status, run an assessment, document existing benefits, plan an initial employee survey, and launch a first visible initiative — doable in week one, with no budget or prior knowledge needed.
Where most companies stand
There are three typical starting points: companies with no BGM at all are best off starting with an assessment of their current status. Companies with isolated BGF measures (fruit baskets, company runs) should document these first before expanding. Companies that have already run surveys but lack a system benefit most from a structured second pillar (occupational safety focus).
Five steps to get started
- Sign up and assess your status (a few minutes) — establish a starting point
- Complete an assessment — know your own BGM maturity level
- Document existing benefits/measures — get an overview of what's already in place
- Plan a first employee survey — involve employees, identify needs
- Launch a first visible initiative — a tangible early win, regardless of company size
What you don't need to get started
The most common reason BGM initiatives never get off the ground is the assumption that you first need a large budget, a dedicated BGM manager, or full sign-off from management. None of that is needed to get started: a rough estimate of sick-leave levels is enough, estimates are sufficient for the initial phase, and the first steps can be taken without any approval process.
Key takeaways
- Five steps are enough to get started with BGM: assess your status, complete an assessment, document benefits, plan a survey, launch a first initiative
- No budget, no prior knowledge, and no management sign-off needed to begin
- Estimates (e.g., for sick-leave levels) are entirely sufficient to get started
- A visible early win in week one matters more than a perfect plan
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior knowledge to get started with BGM?+
No. A structured assessment walks you step by step through the relevant topics — expertise is provided along the way, not assumed beforehand.
How much time should I plan for in the first week?+
Realistically 1–2 hours spread across the week: assessment (about 5 minutes), documenting benefits (about 10 minutes), planning the first survey (about 15 minutes), with the rest for the first initiative.
Does management need to be involved from the start?+
Not necessarily to get started — the first steps (assessment, stocktaking) can be carried out independently. For systematic expansion, especially budget decisions, management's backing becomes important, though.
Take Your First BGM Step in 10 Minutes
EasyBGM guides you step by step through the assessment — free, no prior knowledge needed.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-07-06. Not legal or tax advice — have your specific case reviewed by a professional.