Do workplace health promotion (wellness) programs work?

Ron Z. Goetzel, Rachel Mosher Henke, Maryam Tabrizi, Kenneth R. Pelletier, Ron Loeppke, David W. Ballard, Jessica Grossmeier, David R. Anderson, Derek Yach, Rebecca K. Kelly, Tre McCalister, Seth Serxner, Christobel Selecky, Leba G. Shallenberger, James F. Fries, Catherine Baase, Fikry Isaac, K. Andrew Crighton, Peter Wald, Ellen ExumDexter Shurney, R. Douglas Metz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

296 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To respond to the question, "Do workplace health promotion programs work?" Methods: A compilation of the evidence on workplace programs' effectiveness coupled with recommendations for critical review of outcome studies. Also, reviewed are recent studies questioning the value of workplace programs. Results: Evidence accumulated over the past three decades shows that well-designed and well-executed programs that are founded on evidence-based principles can achieve positive health and financial outcomes. Conclusions: Employers seeking a program that "works" are urged to consider their goals and whether they have an organizational culture that can facilitate success. Employers who choose to adopt a health promotion program should use best and promising practices to maximize the likelihood of achieving positive results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)927-934
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of occupational and environmental medicine
Volume56
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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