Health promotion in the workplace: employers and employee’s perspectives

McDonnell, Adrienne (2013) Health promotion in the workplace: employers and employee’s perspectives. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

With Obesity rates hitting epidemic proportions, healthcare costs are increasingly becoming a drain on society and the impact is telling on the global economy. There is no quick solution to addressing the obesity issue, however targeting certain cohorts, via campaigns and initiatives, such as the working population, are deemed worthwhile. This dissertation examines the issue of health promotion as a public health concern and a workplace concern. Using qualitative method of research via focus groups, views and opinions of employers and employees working in companies in Ireland, are gathered on health promotion specifically relating to workplace wellbeing initiatives. Motivating employees to make a lifestyle changes and methods of promoting workplace health initiatives are also explored. In particular, on whether there is merit in using social media to promote workplace wellbeing initiatives during, and beyond the confines of, the working day.

Four focus groups with 3 – 7 people in each were formed, two using employer’s perspectives, and two using employees perspectives (21 individuals in total). The semi-structured discussion sessions educed participants’ views on workplace health promotion. Transcripts were taken verbatim, using a combination of transcribe notes and audio recordings. These were then analysed manually using an inductive thematic analysis procedure as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006).

Findings for this qualitative research show that stress is the number one factor affecting workplaces and their employees. This is predominantly caused by the aftermath of the 2008 economic downturn, and the resultant in financial pressures for individuals and subsequently workplaces. Many employers have embarked on engagement strategies to alleviate stress through health promotion.

Stress is the number one concern for employees and workplaces, and directly linked to the economic downturn and financial pressures. Employee engagement strategies to alleviate stress are employed to alleviate stress with positive feedback. Sourcing health information via the internet search engine Google the first point for a number of people. Web-based strategies integrated with supports may prove be an innovative approach to addressing public and workplace health campaigns in the future.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Performance Management > Employee Engagement H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Health and Safety at Work. R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine > Personal Health and Hygiene > Stress Management
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in Marketing
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2013 16:25
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2013 16:25
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/827

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