Running head: WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 1

Transcription

1 Running head: WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 1 Cheryl Howard Workplace Health Promotion Ferris State University

2 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 2 Abstract Workplace health promotion programs are coming to the forefront of community health promotion initiatives. The growth of workplace health promotion is due to rising health care costs, a need for increased work productivity and widespread community health concerns such as heart disease and diabetes. This article briefly explores the support and strategies used for workplace health promotion. Potential benefits to both the employee and employer are explained. Participation barriers can be a challenge for some employees. It is generally recommended that a multi-faceted approach to successful development and implementation of a workplace wellness program includes the employees, management, human resources and health professional partnerships. Nurses are positioned to provide support for wellness initiatives with an individualized, holistic focus. Health authorities such as WHO and the CDC are supportive of workplace health promotion. Keywords: work, workplace, wellness, health promotion, program, initiative

3 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 3 Workplace Health Promotion Employee health promotion is a topic that is building momentum in the workplace today. Many of America s top health problems such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and diabetes have risk factors in common that can be modified by a prevention activities (Kulas, 2011). The workplace has a unique opportunity to affect their employee s health by promoting wellness and prevention of diseases. Both employees and employers have a stake in the potential effects of workplace health promotion programs. Employers are motivated to address their worker s health in order to improve health and productivity of the employees as well as manage rising health care costs (Pender, Murdaugh & Parsons, 2011). The effectiveness of workplace wellness initiatives are proven to have a positive effect on those who participate (Weiner, Lewis, & Linnan, 2008). The topic of workplace wellness is important because worksites are a major population within communities which provide a unique opportunity to affect community health (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). Nurses also have a unique ability to assist with promotion of community health in the work environment because nursing philosophy focuses holistically on the individual and family rather than on the presenting illness (Pender et al., 2011, p. 311). Employee health promotion is supported by many health authorities. It is expected that work based health promotion programs will continue to grow and gain acceptance over time (Pender et al., 2011). Support for Employee Health Promotion Programs Employee health promotion programs are supported by of a wide variety of health authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified health at work as a priority issue. WHO promotes prevention and advocates for the health promotion of employees worldwide (Milestones in Health, 2009). The United States Department of Health and Human

4 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 4 Services has just announced a new 10 million dollar fund to help create workplace health programs focused on promotion of physical activity, proper nutrition and reducing risky lifestyle behaviors ($10 Million in Affordable, 2011). Since full time workers spend more than one-third of their day in the workplace, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes that workplace programs have a unique opportunity to foster a healthy work environment, reduce health risks and promote workers individual health and quality of life (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). Strategies for Workplace Health Promotion Workplace health promotion initiatives can take many forms. Some programs are ongoing and comprehensive while others are annual events or short term programs lasting a specified number of weeks. Programs typically focus on specific behaviors such as increasing exercise, stopping smoking, stress relief or controlling obesity (Pender et al., 2011). Sometimes an employee health initiatives can be as simple as ensuring rest breaks, changing lighting, providing health education, or offering periodic health screenings. Others are more comprehensive and include year round diet and weight control support, stress reduction, stop smoking support groups, and exercise promotion. Participatory approaches that include a team of employees, managers and human resource personnel are more successful, especially when the approach has involvement from a health professional (Cancelliere, Cassidy, Ammendolia, & Cote, 2011). Mayo Clinic conducted a study that indicates stress levels are the number one contributing factor to employee health and well being (2011). They recommend that first addressing high stress, work-life balance, and spirituality will best help employees achieve wellness in other areas of health such as high blood pressure, poor nutrition, obesity and poor physical fitness (Warren et al., 2011).

5 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 5 An organized approach and effective method of implementation can have an effect on the program s success. Readiness for change should be evaluated and participants should have input into the program. Goals and outcomes then need to be established so that employees are enthusiastic and committed. This approach will help the program to be more effective (Weiner et al., 2008). The CDC offers a comprehensive, step-by-step plan for employers to help plan for healthier worksite initiatives (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). Another important component for a successful program is partnership with a wide variety of health related services such as nutrition, health counseling, and prevention focused clinic services such as flu clinics. Partnership is an area where nurses and other medical personnel can collaborate with employers to enhance a workplace health promotion program (Berry & Mirabito, 2011). Employer Perspective It is in a company s best interest to promote health in the workplace. The effects of a workplace health program include improved employee morale, employee retention, and enhanced company image. Disability, health and life insurance premiums are also lower (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). When workers are healthy they are more productive. Not only is absenteeism decreased due to less sick days used by employees, but presenteeism is decreased. Presenteeism is a fairly new concept in which describes an employee who is physically at work but performing below par due to illness (Cancelliere et al., 2011). Both absenteeism and presenteeism can negatively affect a corporation s bottom line. The return on investment for quality wellness programs can be as much as 6 to 1, meaning that for every one dollar invested in employee health promotion there is a six dollar return (Metzgar, 2011). Well implemented workplace health programs can save 25% of costs on absenteeism, health care and disability. The message to employers is that workplace health promotion is worth the investment

6 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 6 of time and money. The culture of health created in the workplace will help businesses because workers will be more productive and have better job satisfaction (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). Employee Perspective There are several benefits to the employee when they participate in workplace wellness initiatives. In addition to an improved health status, the employee s well-being and self image is improved. Coping skills and social support are increased. There is improved job satisfaction when the work environment is safer and more supportive (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). Lifestyle behaviors can be positively impacted with participation in a workplace health program which could address poor physical activity, smoking and excess alcohol intake (Robroek, VandeVathorst, Hilhorst, & Burdorf, 2011). Employees can be impacted financially by participating in workplace wellness programs. If health is improved then there will likely be fewer out-of-pocket expenses for medications, doctor visits, and hospitalizations. Improved health may also result in less absenteeism and greater productivity which can increase job performance and job security (Workplace Health Promotion, 2011). A major barrier for worksite wellness programs is participation. Not all employees are willing to join a work based health effort (Pender et al., 2011). Some employees report that they are healthy and do not need to participate in a program. Others state they do not participate because they have a health condition and are currently under care of a medical professional. A large majority of non-participants feel that privacy is a concern and would like to keep their work and private lives separate. Some are untrusting of their employers and feel that confidential health information could be used against them (Robroek et al., 2011). All of these factors need to be taken into consideration in the development, design and implementation stage of any

7 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 7 workplace wellness initiative. Care should be taken to approach a workplace wellness program so that the work culture can be integrated into health promotion in order to make it more effective for a large majority of employees (Pender et al., 2011). Conclusion Workplace health promotion programs have many benefits to the community because they have the potential to reach a large number of people. The benefits to both employees and employers are numerous. It is important to carefully plan and implement a wellness program so that it can be as effective and person centered as possible. Barriers to participation such as privacy concerns need to be addressed during the development of workplace wellness programs. Medical professionals and nurses can support workplace wellness initiatives through partnership and a holistic focus on the individual and community. Leading health authorities, such as WHO, CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are supportive of workplace health promotion. Research shows that a culture of health can be promoted effectively with a concerted effort by communities, businesses and individuals toward workplace health promotion. Because U.S. government funding is also in support of workplace health promotion there will undoubtedly be more emphasis on this area of health promotion in the near future.

8 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 8 References Berry, L. L., & Mirabito, A. M. (2011, April). Partnering for prevention with WHP programs. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(4), doi: /mcp Cancelliere, C., Cassidy, J., Ammendolia, C., & Cote, P. (2011, May 26). Are workplace health promotion programs effective at improving presenteeism in workers? BioMed Central Public Health, 11(395). doi: / Kulas, M. (2011, August 11). Top 10 health problems in America. Retrieved November 6, 2011, from Metzgar, C. (2011, February). What s the hard return on employee wellness programs? Professional Safety, 56(2), 38. Abstract retrieved from CINAHL database. Milestones in health promotion. (2009). Retrieved November 5, 2011, from WHO website: Pender, N., Murdaugh, C., & Parsons, M. A. (2011). Health promotion in nursing practice (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. Robroek, S. J., van de Vathorst, S., Hilhorst, M. T., & Burdorf, A. (2011, June 15). Moral issues in workplace health promotion. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. doi: /s y $10 million in affordable care act funds to help create workplace health programs [News Release]. (2011, June 23). Retrieved November 3, 2011, from USDHHS website:

9 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 9 Warren, B., Hagen, P., Johnson, B., Jenkins, S., Werneburg, B., & Olsen, K. (2011, September 6). Mayo Clinic study suggests one simple question regarding stress could help employers tailor wellness programs and improve participation. Retrieved November 5, 2011, from Weiner, B. J., Lewis, M. A., & Linnan, L. A. (2008, May 9). Using organization theory to understand the determinants of effective implementation of worksite health promotion programs. Health Education Research, 24(2), doi: /her/cyn019 Workplace health promotion. (2011, September 30). Retrieved November 4, 2011, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: workplacehealthpromotion/index.htm

10 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION 10 NURS 310 Health Promotion Research Paper Purpose: Each student will write a research paper in a selected area of health promotion. The purpose of this assignment is to investigate an area of health promotion of interest in depth. It may be related to any area of health promotion. Any of the weekly discussion topics are possible topics for the focus of the paper. It is a paper that will report and analyze a specific area of health promotion. It is a scholarly paper and requires full use of APA format including abstract and professional references from nursing and health promotion literature. It may include references from public health and epidemiology. Paper should not exceed 8 pages, including the title page, abstract, and references. Content Criteria Points Available Points Awarded Question at issue: Is the topic clearly identified? Can the reader readily identify the focus of the paper? Information: Is the key information for the topic included and adequately sourced? Point of view: Are the key viewpoints articulated and examined? Assumptions: What underlying assumptions are foundational to this issue? What does the reader need to understand about the issue? Concepts: Are the key concepts of the topic identified? Is their relevance clear? Purpose: What is the purpose in examining this topic? Why is it important to nurses and nursing? To clinical populations? Inference: What is the logical interpretation of the data about this issue? Implications/consequences: What are the likely outcomes of the various positions on this issue? Format APA considerations, Intellectual Standards, Format (abstract, introduction, references, etc) Total Comments: Good job on research paper. All content addresses elements of reasoning. The other components within this section adequately covered. Please see paper for specific comments. Again, great work!