Barriers to Implementation of Workplace Wellness Programs in Career Fire Service Organizations: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Harrington
Keyword(s):  
Wellness Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fire Service ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Leadership Support ◽  
Workplace Wellness Programs ◽  
Interview Format ◽  
Barriers To Implementation

Firefighter wellness has become a concern across the country, in large part because a combinationof poor fitness levels, excess weight, and a high-intensity work environment contributes to chronic illnessas well as line-of-duty deaths. Workplace wellness programs are effective in career fire service organiza-tions, but nationwide implementation rates are low. This study examined the barriers to implementationin career fire service organizations in the United States. Using a semistructured interview format, 18fire service leaders from eight different geographically disparate organizations were interviewed. Resultsrevealed themes involving barriers across categories of buy-in, financial matters, leadership support, andlabor management.

scholarly journals Workplace Wellness Recognition for Optimizing Workplace Health

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregg C. Fonarow ◽  
Chris Calitz ◽  
Ross Arena ◽  
Catherine Baase ◽  
Fikry W. Isaac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Stroke Prevention ◽  
American Heart Association ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
American Heart ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Wellness Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Workplace Wellness Programs

The workplace is an important setting for promoting cardiovascular health and cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention in the United States. Well-designed, comprehensive workplace wellness programs have the potential to improve cardiovascular health and to reduce mortality, morbidity, and disability resulting from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Nevertheless, widespread implementation of comprehensive workplace wellness programs is lacking, and program composition and quality vary. Several organizations provide worksite wellness recognition programs; however, there is variation in recognition criteria, and they do not specifically focus on cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention. Although there is limited evidence to suggest that company performance on employer health management scorecards is associated with favorable healthcare cost trends, these data are not currently robust, and further evaluation is needed. As a recognized national leader in evidence-based guidelines, care systems, and quality programs, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is uniquely positioned and committed to promoting the adoption of comprehensive workplace wellness programs, as well as improving program quality and workforce health outcomes. As part of its commitment to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association will promote science-based best practices for comprehensive workplace wellness programs and establish benchmarks for a national workplace wellness recognition program to assist employers in applying the best systems and strategies for optimal programming. The recognition program will integrate identification of a workplace culture of health and achievement of rigorous standards for cardiovascular health based on Life’s Simple 7 metrics. In addition, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association will develop resources that assist employers in meeting these rigorous standards, facilitating access to high-quality comprehensive workplace wellness programs for both employees and dependents, and fostering innovation and additional research.

Workplace Wellness Programs

2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1510-1510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent L. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Wellness Programs ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Workplace Wellness Programs

Workplace Wellness Programs: A Comparison Between Best Practice Guidelines And Implementation

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Zula
Keyword(s):  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Wellness Programs ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Employee Wellness ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Best Practice Guidelines ◽  
Management Association ◽  
Workplace Wellness Programs ◽  
E Mail

This paper describes a study to determine best practice guidelines for employee wellness programming amongst organizations and/or employers. A sample of convenience (n = 200) from a local human resource management association was surveyed via e-mail with an internet based questionnaire containing 19 items regarding employee wellness programming, activities, effectiveness, and measurement. The results indicated that Best Practice Guidelines can be established from empirical literature. In addition, the findings indicate employers are implementing best practice guidelines in their existing workplace wellness activities. Most employers are participating in and engaged in workplace wellness activities which utilize effective communication, continuous improvement, accessible and involve employees, and partner with existing and established business relationships to create wellness activities. One area which requires further evaluation and development is the engagement of leadership within organizations.

Medical Care Savings From Workplace Wellness Programs

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard Bolnick ◽  
Francois Millard ◽  
Jonathan P. Dugas
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Wellness Programs ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Workplace Wellness Programs

Incentives, Program Configuration, and Employee Uptake of Workplace Wellness Programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haijing Huang ◽  
Soeren Mattke ◽  
Benajmin Batorsky ◽  
Jeremy Miles ◽  
Hangsheng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wellness Programs ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Workplace Wellness Programs
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