Health Characteristics of Employees Entering a Statewide Public Health Program to Improve Worksite Wellness

Abstract

Introduction: The Massachusetts 'Working on Wellness' (WoW) program provides training and seed funding to employer organizations to initiate policies and programs that promote a healthy workplace and encourage a healthy lifestyle. We assess employee participants' health risks and their interests in wellness activities for targeting program efforts and for evaluating the program. Methods: Between November 2015 and December 2016, 4 cohorts of employee participants completed a needs and interests survey at the initiation of the program. The survey collected self-reported information concerning health, risk factors, workplace environment and benefits, and worksite policies and programs of interest to participants. Results: Among the 17,219 respondents, 62% were overweight or obese. Only 13% ate the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and 26% did not exercise for at least 30 minutes at least 1 day per week. In addition, 32% did not get at least 6 hours of sleep each night, and 21% reported unhealthy level of stress. Interest in wellness policies that promote exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction were endorsed by 68%, 57%, and 59% of respondents, respectively, with 63%, 44% and 56% indicating they would likely participate in such programs. Discussion and Conclusions: These data demonstrate the need for wellness programs that promote healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction, as well as employees' strong interest in workplace policies and programs that encourage these behaviors. A follow-up survey one year after program initiation is being administered to determine the short-term impact of WoW program.