Good health! But whose job is it?

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-30
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Recognition ◽  
Demographic Groups

Purpose Most workplace health promotion efforts have failed to consistently and sustainably encourage employees to take responsibility for their health. The purpose of this paper is to explore a potentially high-impact solution – Health Codes of Conduct – for engaging and motivating employees to assume responsibility for their health. Design/methodology/approach This mixed methods study draws on interview and survey methodology with a sample of 149 working adults to examine the feasibility of Health Codes of Conduct. Descriptive and inferential statistics are calculated to understand reactions, characteristics of the companies likely to support the idea, and components of a Health Code of Conduct. Findings Nearly all employees offered moderate to high support for Health Codes of Conduct; this included overweight but not obese employees. Additionally, all demographic groups either moderately or strongly supported the policy when they included either monetary incentives (such as prescription discounts) or often overlooked non-monetary incentives (such as employee recognition). Some of the more popular features of Health Codes of Conduct included annual physical exams, exercise routines, and simply being encouraged to stay home when ill. Originality/value This paper is the first to propose the concept of Health Codes of Conduct and solicit feedback from employees on this novel idea. Furthermore, the authors identify both the monetary and non-monetary incentives and disincentives that employees believe would be most compelling.

Employee health codes of conduct: what would they look like and who wants to accept them?

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 214-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Robbins ◽  
Brian Wansink
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Employee Health ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Recognition ◽  
Demographic Groups

Purpose – Most workplace health promotion efforts have failed to consistently and sustainably encourage employees to take responsibility for their health. The purpose of this paper is to explore a potentially high-impact solution – Health Codes of Conduct – for engaging and motivating employees to assume responsibility for their health. Design/methodology/approach – This mixed methods study draws on interview and survey methodology with a sample of 149 working adults to examine the feasibility of Health Codes of Conduct. Descriptive and inferential statistics are calculated to understand reactions, characteristics of the companies likely to support the idea, and components of a Health Code of Conduct. Findings – Nearly all employees offered moderate to high support for Health Codes of Conduct; this included overweight but not obese employees. Additionally, all demographic groups either moderately or strongly supported the policy when they included either monetary incentives (such as prescription discounts) or often overlooked non-monetary incentives (such as employee recognition). Some of the more popular features of Health Codes of Conduct included annual physical exams, exercise routines, and simply being encouraged to stay home when ill. Research limitations/implications – Health Codes of Conduct offer a surprisingly well-supported potential solution. Favorable reactions were observed across all examined segments of workers, even overweight (but not obese) employees. Using the specific features of Health Codes identified here, visionary companies can tailor their company’s Health Code of Conduct with the appropriate monetary and non-monetary incentives and disincentives. Social implications – What if the workplace could be a positive source of health and empowerment for valued employees? The authors show employee Health Codes of Conduct could be this empowering, engaging solution that has been missing. Originality/value – This paper is the first to propose the concept Health Codes of Conduct and solicit feedback from employees on this novel idea. Furthermore, the authors identify both the monetary and non-monetary incentives and disincentives that employees believe would be most compelling.

scholarly journals Office cake culture

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-115
Author(s):  
Louise Walker ◽  
Orla Flannery
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Health Promotion Programme ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Recognition

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of office cake (OC) consumption and the associated attitudes and behaviours among UK office workers to gain insight into the implications for workplace health. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online questionnaire was completed by 940 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation with χ2 tests for between-group difference. Findings Respondents reported both positive social and negative health-related consequences of OC. OC influenced eating behaviour through increased salience and availability, and the effects of social influencing. Almost all (94.8 per cent) reported ideal OC frequency to be once/week or less. Gender and age significantly affected attitudes and behaviour. Research limitations/implications The questionnaire was not validated so data accuracy could have been diminished or biased. Portion size was not examined and consumption data were self-reported which could have resulted in under-reporting. Only office workers were investigated therefore results may not be applicable to other workplaces. Practical implications OC appears to influence both the workplace eating environment and employee eating behaviour. It could therefore affect employee health and workplace health promotion programme efficacy. However the findings suggest that nudge-based initiatives could reduce OC consumption to make workplaces healthier while retaining social benefits. Originality/value The present study provides the first data on OC culture and insights on how to address it sensitively. It also highlights that sweet treats used for celebration and employee recognition should be considered a relevant part of workplace food provision alongside canteens and vending.

scholarly journals Truckies and health promotion: using the ANGELO framework to understand the workplace’s role

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 406-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marguerite C. Sendall ◽  
Phil Crane ◽  
Laura McCosker ◽  
Marylou Fleming ◽  
Herbert C. Biggs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Industry

Purpose Workplaces are challenging environments which place workers at the risk of obesity. This is particularly true for Australian road transport industry workplaces. The Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework is a public health tool which can be used to conceptualise obesogenic environments. It suggests that workplaces have a variety of roles (in the physical, economic, political and sociocultural domains) in responding to obesity in transport industry workplaces. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings which explore this idea. Design/methodology/approach The project used a mixed-methods approach located within a participatory action research framework, to engage workplace managers and truck drivers in the implementation and evaluation of workplace health promotion strategies. The project involved six transport industry workplaces in Queensland, Australia. Findings This study found that transport industry workplaces perceive themselves to have an important role in addressing the physical, economic, political and sociocultural aspects of obesity, as per the ANGELO framework. However, transport industry employees – specifically, truck drivers – do not perceive workplaces to have a major role in health; rather, they consider health to be an area of personal responsibility. Practical implications Balancing the competing perceptions of truck drivers and workplace managers about the workplace’s role in health promotion is an important consideration for future health promotion activities in this hard-to-reach, at-risk population. Originality/value The use of the ANGELO framework allows the conceptualisation of obesity in a novel workplace context.

Anatomy of an effective workplace health intervention: a comprehensive new model

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 461-475
Author(s):  
Sean Peter Hennessey ◽  
Laurene Rehman
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Model

PurposeThis study proposes a new model, called the Integrated Human Health Model (IHHM), to improve the design and effectiveness of Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) interventions.Design/methodology/approachEighteen participants were purposefully selected from 44 participants in a 2.5-day WHP intervention targeting multiple health behaviours (MHB). The intervention has shown to improve quality of life and health-related behaviours in rigorous studies. Qualitative data collection methods were observations, repeat semi-structured interviews and weekly e-journals collected over three months. Template analysis was used to develop the IHHM describing participants' experiences.FindingsThe IHHM describes the health behaviour change process using eight themes: facilitation, assessment, desired life, barriers, knowledge and skills, insights, action planning, and monitor and support.Practical implicationsWith the paucity of evidence informing WHP intervention effectiveness, this study provides a preliminary model serving practitioners to design more effective interventions and scholars to improve evidence.Originality/valueThis study proposes a practical comprehensive model for practitioners and leaders to more effectively design and evaluate successful MHB WHP interventions compared to existing models.

Factors influencing the implementation of workplace health promotion in companies in rural areas

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-259
Author(s):  
Luisa Hente ◽  
Torsten Schlesinger
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Demographic Change ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Related Attitude

PurposeWorkplace health promotion (WHP) is becoming increasingly important due to the ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled workers. Nevertheless, too few companies have reacted to the demographic change and introduced health-promoting measures. This paper aims to identify which factors influence the implementation of WHP, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas.Design/methodology/approach253 companies in a rural area in the federal state of Saxony (Germany) were surveyed using a standardised questionnaire via a computer-assisted telephone interview. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were carried out. The focus was on the relationship between the status of WHP and the size of the company, pressure of demographic change, health-related attitude and organisational capacity factors.FindingsIt was shown that, in addition to the control variables company size and pressure of the shortage of skilled workers, a company's attitude regarding health promotion, financial capacity and planning and development capacity has a relevant influence on the status of WHP.Practical implicationsBased on the results, targeted measures can be developed and converted to implement WHP, particularly in SMEs in rural regions. The focus should be on sensitisation, knowledge transfer and capacity development.Originality/valueThe present paper reveals the relationship between company size, pressure of demographic change, health-related attitude and organisational capacities regarding the status of health-promoting measures in SMEs in a rural region.

Employees prefer information more than free food

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara D. Street ◽  
Sarah J. Lacey ◽  
Jade A. Grambower
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Free Food ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Intention To Participate ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Group Information

Purpose Nutrition behaviours have been linked to an increased risk of poor health and reduced productivity at work. Therefore, the workplace is a logical setting to implement nutrition-related programmes. Many existing workplace health promotion programmes (WHPPs) employ a standardised approach that typically attracts those who are already healthy or highly motivated to change. Understanding the factors that influence an individual’s desire to improve health and participate in nutrition WHPP will facilitate the development of highly engaging programmes that appeal to the greatest number of workers. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In all, 881 employees of an Australian mining company participated in a self-report health survey aimed at investigating employee predictors of desire to improve personal nutrition, desire for assistance with improving personal nutrition, and intention to participate in nutrition WHPPs. Findings Overall, females and older employees were most likely to intend to participate, with group information sessions garnering the widest appeal to employees. Practical implications The findings suggest that practitioners ought to include a group-based educational component designed to increase awareness particularly to employees who are nutritionally deficient and unlikely to voluntarily participate in strategies. Originality/value The innovative psychosocial research findings and recommendations outlined herein may be applied immediately to increase employee participation in workplace nutrition strategies.

scholarly journals Corporate wellness: what, why not and whither?

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 638-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraint Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Voice ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Legitimacy ◽  
Corporate Wellness ◽  
Employment Security ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present corporate wellness (CW) as an approach to worker well-being and as distinct from workplace health promotion (WHP). Theoretical explanations of the contribution of CW and WHP to the economic and social legitimacy objectives of human resource management (HRM) serve to elucidate this distinction and also to highlight the problematic nature of CW. An alternative approach to worker well-being, firm performance and social legitimacy of the firm is discussed. Design/methodology/approach This is a review paper that analyses research into CW as a discrete approach to the management of people and compares this body of knowledge with ancillary studies of the impact of policies more commonly aligned with HRM in order to achieve the purpose of the paper. Findings The review is critical of CW as a means of achieving competitive advantage through people due to the probability of dysfunctional outcomes, namely exacerbating the health and well-being of the workforce, especially the mental health of workers. Practical implications Due to the sizeable investment in CW programmes, the paper advocates a focus on equity in pay, employment security and employee voice as an alterative means of enhancing the health of the workforce and the performance of the organisation. Originality/value This paper elaborates on recent critiques of worker well-being programmes (see e.g. Guest, 2017), offering a comprehensive and robust theoretical framework. The paper cites extensive evidence that improved pay, employment security and an effective voice in the workplace are more effective means of meeting the needs of the firm and improving worker well-being.

Impact of B2C e-commerce codes of conduct on sales volume: lessons from the Spanish perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dolores Gallego ◽  
Salvador Bueno ◽  
David López-Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Structural Model ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Sales Volume ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Sales ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to carry out empirical testing of the relationship between corporate image and corporate satisfaction among business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce organizations who possess codes of conduct and study their effects on sales volume. The aim is to measure impacts of both corporate image as well as measure corporate satisfaction on online sales volume increases. In addition, the authors have added to the study the product-type dimension as a moderate variable. Design/methodology/approach A structural model is developed and empirically tested through survey data obtained from 127 Spanish companies adhering to a code of conduct. Findings The results indicate that adhering to a code of conduct has a positive impact on the increase in sales volumes. The paper identified the main reasons for adhering to a code of conduct, such as offering greater trust to potential consumers as well as improving the firm’s image, prestige and increasing quality and security. Research limitations/implications Further variables must be identified that would help to determine the impact on organizations adhering to codes of conduct. Practical implications This paper highlights how B2C e-commerce codes of conduct help managers achieve better conditions for competiveness. The findings show how adhering to a code of conduct has a positive impact on increased sales volumes. The results indicate that the reasons for adhering to a code of conduct are the following: it offers greater trust to potential consumers, as well as improves the firm’s image and prestige, and increases purchase quality and security. Originality/value This paper contributes to the enrichment of knowledge concerning B2C e-commerce codes of conduct developed a pioneering study.

Vegetable interventions at unconventional occasions: the effect of freely available snack vegetables at workplace meetings on consumption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Immink ◽  
Marcel Kornelis ◽  
Ellen Van Kleef
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Leaflets ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Perceived Variety

PurposeSnacks at work are often of poor dietary quality. The main objective of the current study is to examine the effect of making vegetable snacks available at workplace meetings on consumption.Design/methodology/approachIn three between-subjects field experiments conducted at a hospital and three ministries in the Netherlands, with meeting as the unit of condition assignment, attendees were exposed to an assortment of vegetables, varying in vegetable variety and presence of promotional leaflet in study 1 (N = 136 meetings), serving container in study 2 (N = 88 meetings) and additional presence of cookies in study 3 (N = 88 meetings). Consumption of vegetables and cookies was measured at meeting level to assess grams consumed per person.FindingsAcross the three studies, average consumption per meeting attendee was 74 g (SD = 43) for study 1; 78 g (SD = 43) for study 2 and 87 g (SD = 35) for study 3. In the first study, manipulation of perceived variety and information leaflets did not affect intake. In the second study, significantly more vegetables were eaten when they were offered in single sized portions (M = 97 g, SD = 45) versus in a shared multiple portions bowl (63 g, SD = 38) (p < 0.001). In the third study, no effect was found of the additional availability of cookies on vegetable consumption during the meeting.Practical implicationsThe present studies show how availability of vegetables at unconventional occasions makes meeting attendants consume considerable portions of vegetables on average. As such, offering healthy snacks at the workplace may be a valuable part of workplace health promotion programs and positively change the “office cake culture”.Originality/valueVegetable intake is less than recommended in many countries worldwide. Many snacking occasions are at work, which makes office meetings a potential consumption occasion to encourage vegetable intake. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine whether free availability of vegetable snacks during meetings contributes to their consumption among meeting attendees and under what conditions consumption is optimal.

The effects of personal and organisational attributes on ethical attitudes of professional accountants: evidence from Ghana

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Mensah Onumah ◽  
Samuel Nana Yaw Simpson ◽  
Amoako Kwarteng
Keyword(s):  
Significant Influence ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Visionary Leadership ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Personal Attributes ◽  
Professional Code ◽  
Ethical Attitudes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Codes

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effects of personal attributes (greed and desire for personal gains, behaviour of peers and superiors, personal values, family influences and pressures, religious background, ego strength, etc.), organisational attributes (company policies, codes of conduct and visionary leadership, etc). and the moderating role of ethical codes of conduct on the ethical attitudes of professional accountants. Design/methodology/approach The study uses data from a survey of 340 professional accountants in Ghana, using the ordinary least square regression analysis to test hypothesized relationships. Findings The results suggest that personal attributes collectively have positive and significant influence on ethical attitudes. Similarly, organisational attributes collectively have positive and significant influence on ethical attitudes. Moreover, ethical codes of conduct moderate the positive relationship between personal and organisational attributes and ethical attitudes of accountants. Originality/value In the light of the social contingent theory, the findings imply that personal and organisational attributes, when interacted with professional code of conduct strengthens ethical attitudes of accountants. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first paper to have examined the moderating effect of professional code of conduct on ethical attitudes of accountants from a developing country context.

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