Employee perceived effects of workplace health promotion

Abstract

PurposeThe employees’ perspective is often disregarded in research regarding workplace health promotion (WHP). Experts’ opinions are prominent, stating employees’ benefits of WHP on the physical, mental, and social level. The purpose of this paper is to investigate which benefits and effects employees expect from WHP.Design/methodology/approachAs a current qualitative study indicates that employees also highlight cognitive aspects and prevention issues, a quantitative verification of this extended model was conducted. A questionnaire consisting of items derived from a qualitative study was developed and distributed in Austria in two government agencies, one bank, and one NGO. The sample consists of 237 employees rating the appreciability of potential WHP effects.FindingsBased on a principal component analysis, employee‐perceived effects of WHP were grouped into four components. Within the first, cognitive one, the most frequently perceived effect (40.1 per cent) was giving WHP a try. Regarding the second, emotional component, feeling appreciated (57.4 per cent) was emphasized. Improved affordability of prevention (57.0 per cent) belongs to the third, convenience/pleasure component. Effects in the fourth, social realm, such as better contact with colleagues, were perceived by only 17.4 per cent.Research limitations/implicationsThe results enlarge the theoretical grouping of WHP effects but require further testing regarding blue‐collar employees, and physical benefits.Practical implicationsStrengthening factors referring to perceived benefits in practical WHP design plus related communication seems advisable to increase participation rates and benefits derived.Originality/valueProviding an enlargement to current models of employee perceived benefits regarding WHP, this paper gives suggestions for a benefit oriented WHP program and communication design and opens up new paths for research.