Structuring Successful Interventions in Employee Health Programs

Abstract

This literature review explored common characteristics of successful health promotion interventions that have produced positive outcomes for the diverse populations studied. Health education interventions delivered in structured environments with quarterly monitoring produced the most positive outcomes. Interventions delivered to employees in a "team" format were as successful as interventions delivered one on one. Single disease-or health behavior-focused interventions were more successful than multifocused interventions. Review findings indicate that academic or consultant researchers may lend expertise to research methods and informed consent as employers create health promotion programs they wish to evaluate. Employers may find benefits in conducting health-related studies developed through partnerships or collaborations with academic researchers.

Environmental Changes to Control Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Manufacturing Companies

“…Partnerships with academic researchers can provide employers with the scientific expertise needed to design, execute, and assess health promotion programs at the worksite. 9 The need for additional studies to evaluate the effects of worksite environmental interventions on objective measures of weight and SO WHAT? Implications for Health Promotion Practitioners and Researchers What is already known on this topic?…”

“…7 Health promotion efforts at the worksite range from institutional-level environmental approaches to individualized disease management programs 8 ; however, financial constraints and limited personnel may deter companies from providing comprehensive health promotion programs. 9 Although most experts agree that the workplace offers unique opportunities to influence employees' lifestyle behaviors and to build a health-promoting culture, 10 there is a paucity of randomized, controlled trials in worksites documenting the ef-fectiveness of health promotion programs, particularly in smaller companies. 11 More specifically, rigorous studies are warranted to evaluate environmental interventions that reduce barriers and increase availability and access to healthy food and physical activity in occupational settings.…”

Tailored E-Mails in the Workplace

“…The essential components of successful health promotion programs in the workplace have yet to be clearly delineated by previous studies. Johnson and Denham (2008) provided a review of characteristics of successful health promotion programs. After reviewing 14 intervention studies published between 2001 and 2007, continuous education and close monitoring of participants' behaviors were found to be two of the most important factors for success (Johnson & Denham, 2008).…”

“…Johnson and Denham (2008) provided a review of characteristics of successful health promotion programs. After reviewing 14 intervention studies published between 2001 and 2007, continuous education and close monitoring of participants' behaviors were found to be two of the most important factors for success (Johnson & Denham, 2008). Team-based interventions provided better results than did interventions delivered individually, and single disease-or health behavior-focused interventions were better than multifocused interventions (Johnson & Denham, 2008).…”

“…After reviewing 14 intervention studies published between 2001 and 2007, continuous education and close monitoring of participants' behaviors were found to be two of the most important factors for success (Johnson & Denham, 2008). Team-based interventions provided better results than did interventions delivered individually, and single disease-or health behavior-focused interventions were better than multifocused interventions (Johnson & Denham, 2008). Sternfeld et al (2009) noted important strategies included setting goals, increasing knowledge, self-monitoring, having consistent reminders, addressing barriers, and rewarding accomplishments.…”