Blackwell Reference Online

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Health promotion programs at the worksite, sometimes called wellness programs, generally involve: 1 the periodic or continuing delivery of educational and/or behavior change materials and activities that are designed to maintain or improve employee fitness, health, and wellbeing; and 2 changes in organizational practices and policies conducive to health promotion ( Fielding, 1991 ). Most worksite health promotion programs focus on educational and skill‐building activities. Interventions targeting organizational practices and policies are less common. Worksite health promotion programs vary along several dimensions, including facilities, budget, employee eligibility, and target outcomes. It is difficult to evaluate and compare programs. Legislatively mandated programs in safety and health and programs dealing with existing medical problems generally are independent of health promotion programs in the US. However, these activities often are integrated with health promotion in western Europe and Australia. Typical programs start with assessments of employee lifestyle and health risk, followed with counseling and opportunities to participate in activities designed to reduce risk (e.g., an exercise program for overweight and sedentary employees). Participation is voluntary at little or no cost to the employee. Health promotion programs have become quite popular in the US. A 1992 ... log in or subscribe to read full text