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Geboers L, de Vet E, Rongen FC, Poelman MP. More than the worksite cafeteria: the workplace food environment of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Netherlands. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e137. [PMID: 38679460 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise the food environment of Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), encompassing physical, sociocultural, economic and policy features and to explore variations within SMEs according to company characteristics (number of employees, location of work and presence of worksite cafeteria). DESIGN Online cross-sectional survey study of a representative Dutch SME sample by a panel agency. SETTING Dutch SMEs. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred and fifteen employees of Dutch SMEs responsible for food and drink in their company. RESULTS Most SMEs did not have a worksite cafeteria, no provision of fruits or vegetables, and did not offer discounts on food or drinks. The food environment of these SMEs varied significantly based on company characteristics. For example, SMEs with a worksite cafeteria were significantly more likely to have fruits (OR = 8·76, 95 % CI (4·50, 17·06)), vegetables (OR = 10·29, 95 % CI (5·49, 19·31)) and company food policies (OR = 5·04, 95 % CI (2·08, 12·20)) than SMEs without. Additionally, SMEs with ≥ 50 employees were more likely to have fruits (OR = 2·39, 95 % CI (1·42, 4·03)), vegetables (OR = 1·89, 95 % CI (1·04, 3·46)) and company food policies (OR = 2·82, 95 % CI (1·09, 7·29) than SMEs with < 50 employees. Moreover, having a worksite cafeteria (B = 0·23, 95 % CI (0·08, 0·38)) and employees working mostly on-site (B = 0·14, 95 % CI (0·01, 0·28)) were associated with stronger social norms of healthy and sustainable eating at work compared to SMEs without a worksite cafeteria and working mostly off-site. CONCLUSIONS In SMEs, an overall comprehensive picture of the food environment points to its limited active encouragement of healthy food choices, particularly so in small SMEs without a worksite cafeteria. Company characteristics strongly influence SME food environments and should be considered when developing interventions improving SME workplace food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Geboers
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Emely de Vet
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frédérique C Rongen
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maartje P Poelman
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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van der Put AC, Mandemakers JJ, de Wit JB, van der Lippe T. Worksite Health Promotion and Work Performance: Both Awareness and Use Matter. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:949-957. [PMID: 37595105 PMCID: PMC10662622 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work aimed to study whether being aware of the existence of worksite health promotion (WHP), using it, or both are related to employees' task and contextual performance. METHODS Multilevel cross-sectional data came from the European Sustainable Workforce Survey, with data from more than 11,000 employees in 259 organizations. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to examine two types of WHP: healthy menus and sports facilities. RESULTS Awareness of healthy menus and sports facilities was positively associated with task and contextual performance. Healthy menus use was related to both higher task and contextual performance, whereas sports facilities use was only associated with contextual performance. The relation of WHP use was stronger for contextual than for task performance. CONCLUSIONS Organizations should ensure that employees are aware of the availability of WHP as well as stimulate employees to make use of it.
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van der Put AC, Mandemakers JJ, de Wit JBF, van der Lippe T. Worksite health promotion for employees working from home: A vignette experiment examining intentions to participate. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:1065-1084. [PMID: 36539216 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study explores which factors affect employees' intention to participate in worksite health promotion (WHP) when they work from home. Employees increasingly work from home, yet existing WHP is mainly tied to the workplace. We lack knowledge on what might stimulate employees to make use of WHP specifically when they work from home. Drawing on the theory of reasoned action, we studied whether type of activity, duration, if WHP takes place during work time, how often employees work from home (shaping employees' attitude) and colleague participation (social norms) explain employees' intention to participate in WHP when working from home. To do so, we employed a vignette experiment. Results show that employees' intentions are higher for walking and taking breaks than for an online sports class. Moreover, intentions are higher for shorter activities and when participating in WHP can be done during work time. The more colleagues participate, the higher intentions of employees to do so too. By offering WHP for employees at home, employers can promote employees' health even when these are not present in the workplace. Our study provides leads into how employers may create conditions under which employees use WHP when working from home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C van der Put
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - John B F de Wit
- Interdisciplinary Social Science: Public Health, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja van der Lippe
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Torres G, Mukoma G, Neophytou N, Gradidge PJL. Employee Perceptions of an Established Health and Wellness Coaching Program to Improve Behavior. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e571-e577. [PMID: 37278149 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is limited evidence, particularly qualitative analysis, of health and wellness interventions within the South African workplace. The purpose of this study is to explore whether health and wellness coaching when offered as part of an employee wellness program has potential for developing lifestyle change in a South African workplace. METHODS There were four, 45-minute focus group discussions, where employees discussed their experiences of the workplace health and wellness intervention program. RESULTS Main categories identified from the coding of the transcripts were purpose of the health and wellness coaching program, as well as employees' program experience and improvement to the program. Common barriers to engagement, positive and negative experiences, and suggested improvements were defined by the employees. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted the need of understanding employee perceptions in the development and implementation of a workplace health and wellness program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Torres
- From the Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (G.T., N.N., P.J.-L.G.); and SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa (G.M.)
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5
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van der Put A, Ellwardt L. Employees' healthy eating and physical activity: the role of colleague encouragement and behaviour. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2004. [PMID: 36319982 PMCID: PMC9628058 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Exercising and eating healthy are not just an individual choice, but influenced by family members, friends, or neighbours. Little is known, however, about colleagues, who are another important interpersonal influence. Many people spend many hours at work, surrounded by mostly the same colleagues, who could therefore significantly shape employees’ (un)healthy choices. We studied to what extent colleagues may play a part in one another’s eating and exercise behaviours by focusing on two pathways: colleagues can encourage a healthy lifestyle or act as role models whose behaviours can be observed and copied. Methods: We used the European Sustainable Workforce Survey, with data on 4345 employees in 402 teams in 113 organisations. We used network autocorrelation models, which resemble regression models, to study to what extent employee encouragement is related to fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Specific to this type of model is the inclusion of a network correlation parameter which allows for the outcome of an employee to be directly associated with the outcomes of their colleagues. In this way we tested whether colleagues’ behaviours were related to one another. Results: We found that employees were more likely to eat fruit and vegetables as well as engage in physical activity when their colleagues encourage a healthy lifestyle. Employees’ healthy eating behaviours were positively related to their colleagues’ fruit and vegetable consumption, while we found a negative correlation concerning physical activity. Conclusion: Overall, colleagues’ encouragement and own healthy behaviours have the potential to contribute to creating a culture of health in the workplace and support all employees in making healthy choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne van der Put
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lea Ellwardt
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne, Albert Magnus Platz, 50923 Cologne, Germany
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Briggs LG, Riew GJ, Seward MW. Combatting Burnout by Maximizing Medical Student Participation in Exercise Events. Am J Lifestyle Med 2022; 16:779-784. [PMID: 36389050 PMCID: PMC9644146 DOI: 10.1177/15598276211042821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Physicians have a higher risk of burnout than many other professions, and burnout is associated with less altruistic professional values, worse patient-doctor relationships, and increased medical errors. Burnout begins in medical school, such that institutions should intervene early to facilitate increased engagement in forms of self-care, including but not limited to exercise. Exercise is negatively associated with burnout, but there is limited research on what motivates students to participate in exercise events and how events could be optimally designed to maximize attendance. Students from nine medical schools across the United States were invited to complete an online survey assessing the effectiveness of various factors at increasing participation in exercise events. Of 5500 invited students, 1182 (21%) responded. Mean age was 25 years, 61% were female, and 38% male. Fifty-seven percent identified as White, 26% Asian, and 5% Black. Students reported financial discounts (56%), having all logistics planned by event organizers (46%), and opportunities to find informal mentors (40%) as most likely to increase participation. To increase student participation in wellness events, institutions should prioritize available funding toward strategies that save students time and money while building community across levels of training and departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan G. Briggs
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Grant J. Riew
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael W. Seward
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Huberty JL, Espel-Huynh HM, Neher TL, Puzia ME. Testing the Pragmatic Effectiveness of a Consumer-Based Mindfulness Mobile App in the Workplace: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e38903. [PMID: 36169991 PMCID: PMC9557765 DOI: 10.2196/38903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health and sleep problems are prevalent in the workforce, corresponding to costly impairment in productivity and increased health care use. Digital mindfulness interventions are efficacious in improving sleep and mental health in the workplace; however, evidence supporting their pragmatic utility, potential for improving productivity, and ability to reduce employer costs is limited. Objective This pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the experimental effects of implementing a commercially available mindfulness app—Calm—in employees of a large, multisite employer in the United States. Outcomes included mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), sleep (insomnia and daytime sleepiness), resilience, productivity impairment (absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and non–work activity impairment), and health care use (medical visit frequency). Methods Employees were randomized at the work site to receive either the Calm app intervention or waitlist control. Participants in the Calm intervention group were instructed to use the Calm app for 10 minutes per day for 8 weeks; individuals with elevated baseline insomnia symptoms could opt-in to 6 weeks of sleep coaching. All outcomes were assessed every 2 weeks, with the exception of medical visits (weeks 4 and 8 only). Effects of the Calm intervention on outcomes were evaluated via mixed effects modeling, controlling for relevant baseline characteristics, with fixed effects of the intervention on outcomes assessed at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Models were analyzed via complete-case and intent-to-treat analyses. Results A total of 1029 employees enrolled (n=585 in the Calm intervention group, including 101 who opted-in to sleep coaching, and n=444 in waitlist control). Of them, 192 (n=88 for the Calm intervention group and n=104 for waitlist) completed all 5 assessments. In the complete-case analysis at week 8, employees at sites randomized to the Calm intervention group experienced significant improvements in depression (P=.02), anxiety (P=.01), stress (P<.001), insomnia (P<.001), sleepiness (P<.001), resilience (P=.02), presenteeism (P=.01), overall work impairment (P=.004), and nonwork impairment (P<.001), and reduced medical care visit frequency (P<.001) and productivity impairment costs (P=.01), relative to the waitlist control. In the intent-to-treat analysis at week 8, significant benefits of the intervention were observed for depression (P=.046), anxiety (P=.01), insomnia (P<.001), sleepiness (P<.001), nonwork impairment (P=.04), and medical visit frequency (P<.001). Conclusions The results suggest that the Calm app is an effective workplace intervention for improving mental health, sleep, resilience, and productivity and for reducing medical visits and costs owing to work impairment. Future studies should identify optimal implementation strategies that maximize employee uptake and large-scale implementation success across diverse, geographically dispersed employers. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05120310; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05120310
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Huberty
- Calm.com, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | - Taylor L Neher
- Center for the Study of Aging, Boise State University, Boise, ID, United States
| | - Megan E Puzia
- Behavioral Research and Analytics, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Sizemore R, Huecker M, Shreffler J, Zaino M, Thomas A, Kelley J. Physician Path to Wellness. A Qualitative Investigation of Self-Reported Strategies to Shift from Detrimental Health to Optimal Wellness. Am J Lifestyle Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/15598276221114314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A healthy physician performs better clinically and provides superior care to patients than a physician struggling with burnout. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the physician perception of “health” and “burnout,” to identify successful wellness-promoting behaviors, and to build a model characterizing the successful transition from poor health to wellness. Methods: Utilizing a qualitative approach, the team conducted one-on-one, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with physicians from different specialties. Questions focused on behaviors, beliefs, and system changes that facilitated their transition from poor health/burnout to wellness. Interviews were recorded and responses qualitatively coded from a set of definitions of wellness and burnout. These coded responses were quantified, and code prevalence was analyzed. Results: Fourteen physicians completed interviews. The codebook consisted of 74 total themes, with nine occurring in more than 10 (71%) of the interviews. Most themes yielded to categories of Wellness, Unwell, and Burnout, with several themes related to individual agency in facilitating wellness. Highly prevalent themes included support systems, nutrition, exercise, and cognitive health. Subjects generally described comprehensive approaches to successfully transitioning to wellness. Conclusion: This study describes strategies for the successful transition to wellness: physician-level factors such as a healthy support system, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and developing consistent daily routines. These findings support the importance of physician autonomy and individual-level wellness-promoting strategies for a physician’s transition to wellness. More research should investigate the overall effect of individual-level strategies versus system-level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Sizemore
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (RS, MH, JS, AT); Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (MZ); and Undergraduate Medical Education, Louisville, University of Louisville, KY, USA (JK)
| | - Martin Huecker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (RS, MH, JS, AT); Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (MZ); and Undergraduate Medical Education, Louisville, University of Louisville, KY, USA (JK)
| | - Jacob Shreffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (RS, MH, JS, AT); Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (MZ); and Undergraduate Medical Education, Louisville, University of Louisville, KY, USA (JK)
| | - Mallory Zaino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (RS, MH, JS, AT); Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (MZ); and Undergraduate Medical Education, Louisville, University of Louisville, KY, USA (JK)
| | - Alyssa Thomas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (RS, MH, JS, AT); Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (MZ); and Undergraduate Medical Education, Louisville, University of Louisville, KY, USA (JK)
| | - Justin Kelley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (RS, MH, JS, AT); Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA (MZ); and Undergraduate Medical Education, Louisville, University of Louisville, KY, USA (JK)
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Seward MW, Marso CC, Soled DR, Briggs LG. Medicine in Motion: Addressing Physician Burnout Through Fitness, Philanthropy, and Interdisciplinary Community Building. Am J Lifestyle Med 2022; 16:462-468. [PMID: 35860365 PMCID: PMC9290178 DOI: 10.1177/1559827620983782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Physician burnout is a public health crisis. Although recent studies underscore its prevalence, there are few rigorous studies examining its prevention, especially among medical students and residents. Prior interventions have centered on mindfulness techniques and flexible workload scheduling, yielding limited success. However, interventions that combine fitness with philanthropy and community building may be more effective. The purpose of this report is 2-fold: first, to provide a review of physician burnout and potential prevention mechanisms and, second, to present a case study of how Medicine in Motion (MiM) addresses these issues. MiM facilitates various athletic workouts, competitions, and other events for students and professionals in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and physical therapy to support wellness and charitable initiatives. This analysis identifies 4 barriers to physicians and those in the health care profession from participating in wellness activities: (1) insufficient awareness, (2) logistical challenges, (3) lack of purpose, and (4) absence of perceived support. To overcome these barriers, MiM provides a model toolkit for starting a grassroots movement against physician burnout that other health care institutions may emulate. Institutions should provide financial support for these wellness programs. Future research is needed to evaluate these combined exercise, philanthropic, and community building efforts.
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10
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Impact of a Thought Process Coaching Offering on Habitual Patterns of Thinking and Behavior. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e306-e309. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sidossis A, Gaviola GC, Sotos-Prieto M, Kales S. Healthy lifestyle interventions across diverse workplaces: a summary of the current evidence. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2021; 24:490-503. [PMID: 34622825 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Workplaces provide a unique opportunity to deliver health promotion interventions to their workers. This review summarizes evidence from the most recent studies (September 2019 to April 2021) of workplace healthy lifestyle interventions and identifies gaps in the literature and key aspects for successful future workplace lifestyle interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Recent intervention studies have focused on four health domains: (1) multicomponent wellness programs, (2) healthy diet interventions, (3) physical activity interventions, and (4) mental health/sleep interventions. Within each group of studies, there was significant heterogeneity in study length, intervention components, and worker populations. Nonetheless, most studies across all categories showed positive associations between healthy lifestyle interventions and improved worker health. SUMMARY Although recent literature has shown an overall positive trend between healthy lifestyle interventions implemented at the workplace and improvements in markers of health and wellbeing, further research should include longer follow-up periods, more objective measures of wellbeing, evaluation of worker performance, and analogous interventions between studies to identify the most effective interventions to improve worker health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Sidossis
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriel C Gaviola
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mercedes Sotos-Prieto
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IdiPaz (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario La Paz)
- CIBERESP (CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefanos Kales
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Rezai R, SantaBarbara N, Almirol E, Shedd K, Terry E, Park M, Comulada WS. Efficacy and costs of a workplace wellness programme. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 70:649-655. [PMID: 33289018 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research investigating the efficacy of workplace wellness programmes to promote exercise, and by extension, reduce obesity and increase productivity has proliferated in recent years. Although preliminary work is encouraging, more work is needed. AIMS To evaluate the effects and overall cost of a workplace exercise programme on multiple physical outcomes, including body mass index, aerobic fitness and muscular fitness. METHODS Data from the Bruin Health Improvement Programme .5 (BHIP) between August 2013 and July 2018 were analysed. BHIP is a 12-week workplace wellness programme that assesses multiple areas of physical and mental health. For this study, changes in weight, waist-to-hip ratio, aerobic fitness and muscular endurance were analysed using paired samples t-tests and chi-squared tests. Using results from a prior analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the estimated medical expenditure savings associated with weight loss were also analysed. RESULTS A total of 518 participants (84% female) took part in the BHIP programme (mean age = 41 years, SD = 1.17). There were significant decreases in all anthropometric indices and significant increases in all fitness outcomes (P < 0.01) from baseline to follow-up. Estimated programme cost per participant, per session was $473 US Dollars (USD), and weight loss is estimated to reduce annual medical care costs by ~$2200 USD. CONCLUSIONS Results showed significant improvements in all physical outcomes of interest. Additionally, there appears to be an inverse relationship between improvements in employee health and employer healthcare costs. Strengths, limitations and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rezai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - N SantaBarbara
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E Almirol
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K Shedd
- Department of Recreation, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E Terry
- Department of Recreation, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - W S Comulada
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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van der Put AC, Mandemakers JJ, de Wit JBF, van der Lippe T. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Workplace Social Relations and Worksite Health Promotion Use. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:614-621. [PMID: 34184655 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether workplace social relations explain use of worksite health promotion (WHP), by examining colleagues' and team managers' WHP encouragement of a healthy lifestyle, and colleague WHP uptake. METHODS Multilevel data came from the second wave of the European Sustainable Workforce Survey (4345 employees of 402 team in 9 countries). Linear probability models were used to test use of two types of WHP: healthy menus and sport facilities. RESULTS Employees are more likely to use healthy menus and sport facilities when more colleagues do so too and when colleagues encourage a healthy lifestyle. Surprisingly, encouragement by one's manager plays no role. CONCLUSIONS Social contact among colleagues can facilitate WHP use, and WHP initiatives should pay attention to the influential role of colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C van der Put
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands (Ms van der Put, Dr Mandemakers, and Dr van der Lippe); Interdisciplinary Social Science: Public Health, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands (Dr de Wit)
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14
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Workplace Healthy Lifestyle Determinants and Wellbeing Needs across the Preconception and Pregnancy Periods: A Qualitative Study Informed by the COM-B Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084154. [PMID: 33919967 PMCID: PMC8070920 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Overweight and obesity present health risks for mothers and their children. Reaching women during the key life stages of preconception and pregnancy in community settings, such as workplaces, is an ideal opportunity to enable health behavior change. We conducted five focus groups with 25 women aged between 25 and 62 years in order to investigate the determinants of healthy lifestyle behaviors, weight management, and wellbeing needs during the preconception and pregnancy periods in an Australian university workplace. Discussions explored women’s health and wellbeing needs with specific reference to workplace impact. An abductive analytical approach incorporated the capability, opportunity, and motivation of behavior (COM-B) model, and four themes were identified: hierarchy of needs and values, social interactions, a support scaffold, and control. Findings highlight the requirement for greater organization-level support, including top-down coordination of wellbeing opportunities and facilitation of education and support for preconception healthy lifestyle behaviors in the workplace. Interventionists and organizational policy makers could incorporate these higher-level changes into workplace processes and intervention development, which may increase intervention capacity for success.
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Kakimoto K. Is the workplace wellness program doing good?: ethical considerations around health promotion at workplace. ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2020-0016-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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