Background: Improving the labor productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is essential because of the aging population and predicted reduction in the labor force. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that employees are in good health to work for long times. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between work engagement (WE) and related variables among SME employees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the baseline data of the prospective cohort study, which included 377 employees from three SMEs headquartered in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Results: A multiple regression analysis was performed to see the associations between Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) scores and other variables. Significant associations were found with job satisfaction, age, health literacy (HL), and quality of sleep (all, p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference observed in WE, quality of sleep, concern for own body, job satisfaction, and family life satisfaction (all, p < 0.001) with respect to high and low HL levels. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal that while implementing health and productivity management in SMEs to increase WE, it is best to concentrate on raising HL, job satisfaction, and sleep quality. To increase generalizability, further research could be conducted with more SMEs companies.

In order to train nurses to perform disease management and telenursing, we developed an elearning education program, and assessed the efficacy. A single-group pre-test and post-test design was used. Nurses who worked at a medical institution or a disease management company were included, and the duration of the program was set 2 months. We developed the program so that it could grow attitude and improve knowledge and skills in disease management and patient education. Of 55 subjects, 48 who completed the program were analyzed. After the program, subjects increased knowledge and interests in disease management and patient education. Almost of the subjects answered that e-learning was a good learning method. Our program was effective at enhancing subject's interests in disease management and patient education, and considered to improve their skills in the future.