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Hertting K, Holmquist M, Parker J. Ping pong for health: the meaning of space in a sport based health intervention at the workplace. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 15:1689602. [PMID: 33103634 PMCID: PMC7594712 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2019.1689602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This is a study on a sport-based intervention, with a focus on physical activity, social relations, and learning, to promote health and well-being in the workplace lived space. Lived space is situated and associated with social and cultural conventions which affect the quality of the perceived space at work. The aim of the paper is to elucidate the participant’s experiences of the intervention and how health and well-being were affected. Methods: The intervention was conducted with employees from the warehouse of a company within the retail sector. The design consisted of one initial workshop as a baseline, a sport-based intervention, three group interviews, and a final workshop. A hermeneutic phenomenological analysis focused on experiences of the intervention and the meaning of the workplace as the lived space. Results: Three themes emerged in the analysis; Expressing positive individual effects, Expressing improved work environment and The meaning of the workplace as lived space. The themes are discussed in relation to three basic health foci: physical activity, social relations and learning. Conclusion: The workplace as a lived space offers a valuable opportunity for sport-based interventions that improve health and well-being through physical activity, social relations, and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krister Hertting
- Department of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University , Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Mats Holmquist
- Department of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University , Halmstad, Sweden
| | - James Parker
- Department of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University , Halmstad, Sweden
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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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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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Seward MW, Goldman RE, Linakis SK, Werth P, Roberto CA, Block JP. Showers, Culture, and Conflict Resolution: A Qualitative Study of Employees' Perceptions of Workplace Wellness Opportunities. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:829-835. [PMID: 31361680 PMCID: PMC6774881 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research on employee opinions of workplace wellness programs is limited. METHODS At a large academic medical center in Boston, we conducted 12 focus groups on employee perceptions of wellness programs. We analyzed data using the immersion-crystallization approach. Participant mean age (N = 109) was 41 years; 89% were female; 54% were white. RESULTS Employees cited prominent barriers to program participation: limited availability; time and marketing; disparities in access; and workplace culture. Encouraging supportive, interpersonal relationships among employees and perceived institutional support for wellness may improve workplace culture and improve participation. Employees suggested changes to physical space, including onsite showers and recommended that a centralized wellness program could create and market initiatives such as competitions and incentives. CONCLUSION Employees sought measures to address serious constraints on time and space, sometimes toxic interpersonal relationships, and poor communication, aspects of workplaces not typically addressed by wellness efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Seward
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Roberta E. Goldman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Stephanie K. Linakis
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, USA
- Road Scholar, Boston, USA
| | - Paul Werth
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, USA
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lebanon, USA
- Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, USA
| | - Christina A. Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason P. Block
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, USA
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Lloyd LK, Schmidt EA, Swearingen CC, Cavanaugh AC. Planning, Development, and Implementation of a University-Led, Low-Cost Employee Wellness Program in a preK-12th-Grade Public School District. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2019; 89:669-679. [PMID: 31169920 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A healthy preK-12th-grade school environment is critical to student well-being and success. As role models, school employees play a significant part in creating a healthy environment. Research suggests that employee wellness programs (EWPs) may help school employees adopt healthier lifestyles and, therefore, be healthier, more productive, and serve as healthy role models for students. This article describes the process by which a school district in central Texas partnered with a local university to plan, develop, and implement an affordable EWP. METHODS A university-led leadership team sought input from employees, including administrators, and conducted a 4-week trial. These resulted in an EWP that provided health risk appraisals, fitness testing, group exercise classes, education seminars, online wellness resources, and blood draws/analysis. RESULTS During the first 4 years, membership ranged from 107 to 384 (10-37%), and the annual cost of the program ranged from $49 to $116 per participating employee. CONCLUSIONS University-led EWP programs can support, at a low cost, the health of school employees. Despite low employee engagement, need was demonstrated and feedback was positive. Challenges identified include time demands and lack of principals' support. Future considerations include targeting principals, utilizing the Human Resources Office, and strategically building a culture of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Lloyd
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666
| | - Eric A Schmidt
- Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666
| | - Carolyn C Swearingen
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666
| | - Allison C Cavanaugh
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666
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Menge L, Hu Y, Crixell SH, Lloyd L, Bezner J, Burke TJ. Influences on Catered Event Ordering in a University Workplace: Development and Validation of the Understanding Food Ordering Survey. Am J Health Promot 2018; 33:616-619. [PMID: 30373371 DOI: 10.1177/0890117118807217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and validate an instrument to identify factors that influence what is ordered for catered events for employees at a large university. DESIGN Themes derived from focus groups were used to develop a survey. SETTING A large public university in central Texas. SUBJECTS Twenty-seven administrative assistants who order food participated in focus groups, 138 completed the survey, and 31 completed the survey a second time. MEASURES One hundred fourteen-question, 5-point Likert scale survey. ANALYSIS Principal component analyses explored constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed structure validity. Test -retest analyses assessed reliability. RESULTS The final survey, the Understanding Food Ordering Survey (UFO), included 19 items within 3 factors; all factor loadings were above 0.3, with no cross-loadings. Three factors explained 55.5% of the variance. Cronbach α values of .846 for social influences from supervisors/coworkers, .838 for restrictions on ordering due to policies/vendors/attendee feedback, .893 for personal views about nutrition, and .831 for the total affirmed reliability. Test-retest reliability was acceptable ( r = 0.780), and paired samples t test indicated no differences between assessments, mean difference = -0.062, standard deviation = 0.29, t (30) = -1.18, P = .247. Structure equation modeling indicated a good fit between the proposed 3-factor model and observed data, with comparative fit index = 0.921 and root means square error of approximation = 0.074. CONCLUSION Interventions to improve the nutritional quality of foods selected for catering may benefit from addressing contributory factors while considering a top-down approach to changing the workplace culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Menge
- 1 School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition and Foods Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Yueqin Hu
- 2 Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Sylvia Hurd Crixell
- 1 School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition and Foods Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Lisa Lloyd
- 3 Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Janet Bezner
- 4 Physical Therapy, Texas State University, Round Rock, TX, USA
| | - Tricia J Burke
- 5 Communication Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
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Chigumete TG, Townsend N, Srinivas SC. Facilitating and limiting factors of workplace health promotion at Rhodes University, South Africa. Work 2018; 59:599-606. [PMID: 29733050 DOI: 10.3233/wor-182707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace health promotion programs, when well designed and implemented are beneficial to both employees and their employers. OBJECTIVE To investigate the factors that affect workplace health promotion initiatives intended for support staff at Rhodes University. To explore ways in which future initiatives that aim to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the workplace may be improved. METHODS A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders and support staff. All interviews and focus group discussions were voice recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were uploaded into NVivo® 10 for coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS Key stakeholders reported that health promotion initiatives have been attempted and were advertised, however the turnout was poor. The support staff in turn, stated that past initiatives were not tailored to their health needs and they lacked context-specificity and cultural sensitivity. They also suggested improvements for future initiatives such as convenient venues and using films and short plays as a means of delivering health information. CONCLUSIONS Based on inputs from key stakeholders and support staff, there are several factors that affect the success of health promotion initiatives in the workplace. Employees, who are the recipients of the planned initiatives, need to be involved in all stages of the planning and implementation.
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Flynn JP, Gascon G, Doyle S, Matson Koffman DM, Saringer C, Grossmeier J, Tivnan V, Terry P. Supporting a Culture of Health in the Workplace: A Review of Evidence-Based Elements. Am J Health Promot 2018; 32:1755-1788. [PMID: 29806469 DOI: 10.1177/0890117118761887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate the evidence base for culture of health elements. DATA SOURCE Multiple databases were systematically searched to identify research studies published between 1990 and 2015 on culture of health elements. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA Researchers included studies based on the following criteria: (1) conducted in a worksite setting; (2) applied and evaluated 1 or more culture of health elements; and (3) reported 1 or more health or safety factors. DATA EXTRACTION Eleven researchers screened the identified studies with abstraction conducted by a primary and secondary reviewer. Of the 1023 articles identified, 10 research reviews and 95 standard studies were eligible and abstracted. DATA SYNTHESIS Data synthesis focused on research approach and design as well as culture of health elements evaluated. RESULTS The majority of published studies reviewed were identified as quantitative studies (62), whereas fewer were qualitative (27), research reviews (10), or other study approaches. Three of the most frequently studied culture of health elements were built environment (25), policies and procedures (28), and communications (27). Although all studies included a health or safety factor, not all reported a statistically significant outcome. CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of cross-sectional studies demonstrated significant and salient correlations between culture of health elements and the health and safety of employees, but more research is needed to examine causality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Terry
- 6 Health Enhancement Research Organization, Waconia, MN, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Terry
- HERO: The Health Enhancement Research Organization
- Editor in Chief, American Journal of Health Promotion. Follow me on Twitter at:
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Lin YC, Fly AD. Student feedback to improve the United States Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Nutr Res Pract 2016; 10:321-7. [PMID: 27247729 PMCID: PMC4880732 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2016.10.3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Fruit and vegetable consumption of children in the United States falls below recommendations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a national free-fruit and vegetable school distribution program designed to address this problem. This permanent, legislated program provides funding to qualified elementary schools for provision of additional fruit and vegetables outside of school meals. The objective of this study was to understand children's perceptions of FFVP after the intervention and formulate recommendations that may improve success of the intervention. SUBJECTS/METHODS Secondary data were obtained from 5,265 4th-6th graders at 51 randomly-selected FFVP intervention schools in Indiana. Anonymous questionnaires were completed late in the 2011-2012 academic year. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine associations between students' perceptions of program effects (4 close-ended items) and their preference toward the program. Content analysis was applied to a single open-ended item for program comments. RESULTS Over 47% of students reported greater intake of fruit and vegetables due to FFVP, and over 66% reported liking the program. Student-reported program effects were positively associated with preference for the program (P < 0.01). Themes that emerged during analysis of 3,811 comments, included, students liked: the opportunity to try different kinds of fruit and vegetables, types and flavors of fruits served, and benefits of eating fruit. Fewer students liked the types of vegetables and their benefits. A small group disliked the program citing poor flavor of vegetables and quality of fruits. Important suggestions for the program include serving more dipping sauces for vegetables, cooking vegetables, and providing a greater variety of produce. CONCLUSIONS The degree that students liked FFVP may predict the program's effects on fruit and vegetable intake. FFVP may become more acceptable to students by incorporating their suggestions. Program planners should consider these options for achieving program goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Lin
- School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., PH 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Alyce D Fly
- School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, 1025 E 7th St., PH 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Does Worksite Culture of Health (CoH) Matter to Employees? Empirical Evidence Using Job-Related Metrics. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:448-54. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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