Class

Article

Faculty Mentor

Debasree DasGupta

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Purpose – Given that employees typically spend a significant amount of their time at the workplace, an effective workplace wellness program has the potential to reduce employees’ health risks and improve their quality of life. The purpose of this project was to collect and assess baseline data on current health status for a Utah organization with approximately 400 employees and use the results to inform a comprehensive wellness program. Methods – Based on validated questionnaires from the literature, I developed an employee health screening survey which consisted of two parts – a biometric screening and a mixed methods health assessment survey. Both options were offered to active employees (n = 374) at the time of this administration. Biometric screenings were conducted in-office by a local clinic over the course of 3 days, and the organization covered the cost of these screenings. The mixed methods survey (44 questions) was open for 7 days and was sent via email to all employees. Results – Participation rate for the biometric screenings was 50% (188/374), with 48% participation in the mixed methods survey (181/374). Participation was entirely voluntary with no incentivization offered for participation. Results from both the biometric screening and mixed methods survey showed a need for improvement in three specific health areas, which in order of importance were – mental health and stress management; physical activity; nutrition and weight management. Conclusion – In developing a comprehensive workplace wellness program, the Utah organization should prioritize all three health areas of greatest need as indicated by the employee survey. With such a targeted approach, the wellness program will have the potential to improve employee health. Additionally, health surveys should be administered annually to evaluate employee health and assess program effectiveness. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/82395470053?pwd=MkFrWWNvSjhvWWwvQ2RRb3ltYitjZz09

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-11-2021 12:00 AM

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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Apr 11th, 12:00 AM

Designing an Effective Employee Wellness Program: A Targeted Approach Using Employee Health Surveys

Logan, UT

Purpose – Given that employees typically spend a significant amount of their time at the workplace, an effective workplace wellness program has the potential to reduce employees’ health risks and improve their quality of life. The purpose of this project was to collect and assess baseline data on current health status for a Utah organization with approximately 400 employees and use the results to inform a comprehensive wellness program. Methods – Based on validated questionnaires from the literature, I developed an employee health screening survey which consisted of two parts – a biometric screening and a mixed methods health assessment survey. Both options were offered to active employees (n = 374) at the time of this administration. Biometric screenings were conducted in-office by a local clinic over the course of 3 days, and the organization covered the cost of these screenings. The mixed methods survey (44 questions) was open for 7 days and was sent via email to all employees. Results – Participation rate for the biometric screenings was 50% (188/374), with 48% participation in the mixed methods survey (181/374). Participation was entirely voluntary with no incentivization offered for participation. Results from both the biometric screening and mixed methods survey showed a need for improvement in three specific health areas, which in order of importance were – mental health and stress management; physical activity; nutrition and weight management. Conclusion – In developing a comprehensive workplace wellness program, the Utah organization should prioritize all three health areas of greatest need as indicated by the employee survey. With such a targeted approach, the wellness program will have the potential to improve employee health. Additionally, health surveys should be administered annually to evaluate employee health and assess program effectiveness. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/82395470053?pwd=MkFrWWNvSjhvWWwvQ2RRb3ltYitjZz09